I agree with your analysis of the England team. I do think there is "warrior soul" in there still. It just depends on whether the players can draw it out of themselves- we don't seem to have the right manager to inspire it, as was demonstrated very depressingly against Brazil in 2002.
I guess we have a very fast and physical style of playing, and most of our best performances have happened when opposition teams just haven't been able to stand up to that tempo. We just don't look like we are comfortable, or fitting in, at this tournament yet. At the risk of sounding like an excuse maker, the conditions haven't been conducive to a fast game, and the referees have been really, really hard on physical contact- both of which are very important factors in the Premiership.
Still, I know we have several gears to go up, and I just hope we can do that before it's too late. It's simple, if we can do it in time I think we should beat Portugal. If not we won't. This is why I'm nervous...