England play their second match at the 2010 World Cup tonight, so what better time to post this on Promo? Because it might actually not worth bothering about next week.

Is that too pessimistic, considering we’re playing Algeria tonight, regarded as a very moderate side, who probably won’t play with a recognised forward? Well, let’s put it this way: no. This is England we’re talking about here: dodgy keeper, wobbly defence, kick and rush football… It’s a humiliating disaster waiting to happen.

And Shout For England does have the authentic anguish of the long-suffering England fan – the criticism mixed with the still-lingering belief, which has of course become chubby funnyman James Corden’s stock-in-trade. Like Capello shouting at the players all the time, his schtick is a bit of a cul de sac. But, Mike O’Keefe at Sony has made a wise selection when it comes to making the video. He’s gone for experience – and certainly a safer pair of hands than Robert Green.

Fourteen years ago Pedro Romhanyi made the video for this song’s spiritual predecessor, Skinner & Baddiel & Lightning Seeds’s Three Lions (it’s also Pedro’s first video in four years – far too long). This one relies more on England footie footage than the Baddiel and Skinner video, and Dizzee leads the crowd, assured as ever. Not clear what Corden actually contributes to proceedings, but thanks to Pedro knowing his footie, the video has the right feel. And, for a bonus, there aren’t any vuvezelas.

Possibly a good omen too? After Pedro’s Three Lions video for Euro 96, we got to the semis. I think I may be clutching at straws here…

Shout For England feat. Dizzee Rascal & James Corden
Shout (Sony Music)
Director: Pedro Romhanyi
Producer: Gareth Francis/Tim Steele
Prod co: Factory Films
DoP: Simon Chaudoir
2nd Unit Director: Ben Peters
2nd Unit Producer: Luti Fagbenle
2nd Unit DP: Dennis Madden
Post Production: Big Bouy TV
Commissioner: Mike O’Keefe
Watch: here