Charlton - England have great team spirit (Allsport).

By Jason Hughes, PA International, Tokyo

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Sir Bobby Charlton believes the spirit of England's 1966 World Cup heroes lives on in the current side.

Thirty-six years have passed since Bobby Moore climbed the Wembley steps to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy on a sunny afternoon in July.

Up until now, five English teams have gone into battle at World Cup finals attempting to replicate that feat and five have failed.

But for Charlton, none have reminded him of Sir Alf Ramsey's boys more than those who carry the hopes of nation into Friday's quarter-final with Brazil.

"When we won it in 1966, we were more than just a bunch of players, we were a family," said the legendary striker.

"That is what got us through and that is what makes me so hopeful for the chances of the side at the minute.

"One of the first things you notice about them is that they are so happy playing for each other and there is not a hint of animosity between any of them.

"They all seem to be playing well and getting on with each other. When you have a team that is pulling together in the same direction then anything is possible.

"You have to remember you don't win World Cups with individuals, you win with teams."

While defending champions France, pre-tournament favourites Argentina and highly-fancied Italy have fallen by the wayside, the momentum surrounding England's chances has slowly gathered pace.

From surviving the 'Group of Death' to brushing aside Denmark, their rivals have surely noticed the quiet confidence enveloping base camp just outside of Osaka.

But in two days' time comes the biggest test against the flamboyantly-gifted Brazilians.

"We are just three games away from winning the World Cup," said Charlton.

"Brazil are the first team who will try and stop us and hopefully they won't be able to do it. I think you get to this stage and everyone thinks that they can do it, although I hope it is only us who can."

Charlton was part of the England side that took on the brilliant Brazil of Pele and Jairzinho in 1970, the last time the two famous teams met at a World Cup finals.

In the searing Mexican heat, England lost 1-0 to their eventual successors.

"Brazil is still one of the great romantic names in football," said Charlton, who won the last of his 106 caps in 1970.

"I would imagine the mouths of the England guys are watering at the prospect of playing them.

"If you are a great footballer these are the games you want to play in. This is what you work for and what you dream of."

While Charlton believes England's challenge is founded on a solid team led by the individual talents of David Beckham and Michael Owen, Brazil seem to be looking largely towards the deadly duo of Ronaldo and Rivaldo for their inspiration.

"Brazil always have a little bit of flair, but we've got more than a little bit of flair in our team," he said.

"We have got a lot of good players, good young players. We've got David, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand, who is proving himself."

Only goalkeeper David Seaman of the current first choice side is unlikely to be around for the next World Cup, giving these England players another shot at football's biggest prize in four years.

But Charlton, 64, said: "Why think about future World Cups when we're in the position we're in now. Just think about what we can achieve now."

And come June 30, it could be Manchester United's Beckham who becomes the first England captain to get his hands on the World Cup since Moore.

"David is a great player and a great lad," said the former United great. "It's a big responsibility to be the captain of England and he's doing it well.

"But you don't win with one person, you win with a team. That is what we proved in 1966 and that is what we are proving now."