THEY are no strangers to rewriting history in China, but, this week, they may feel the English have been indulging in the practice.
Some of the mementos the Football Association will present - to mark tomorrow's historic first match between the countries may feature the Euro 96 slogan - "Football Comes Home". It is a claim the hosts could disagree with.
While the formation of the FA in 1863 signalled the beginning of the modern game, the earliest footballers were probably Chinese references to a similar sport were made during the Han dynasty 2,000 years ago.
Thus there is a certain aptness in England warming up for their biggest tournament in 30 years with a debut visit to China, even if not everyone in England is convinced of its value.
There are no doubters in China. The visit is badly needed. They may have been playing football while England were still under Roman rule, but they have not progressed very far. They have never qualified for a World Cup and their sponsored, nationwide professional league is only in its third season.
Yet, as elsewhere in China, change is happening quickly. Most top division clubs will gross £1 million in gate receipts this season, a remarkable figure in a country with such low salaries; several have attracted foreign sponsors, players or coaches; and the first six figure transfer fee is imminent.
There is an intensive effort to attract international opponents, with England's visit the highlight of a 1996 guest list which includes Uruguay and France. Colombia have already been beaten, but the recent failure of the Olympic side to qualify for the Atlanta Games was a blow.
Unlike in many Asian countries, children can be seen playing the game, even in Tiananmen Square, one of the few open spaces in central Beijing. Unlike their African and European equivalents, however, they do not appear to be very skilled.
"Asia will be the next power in world football," said Terry Venables. "The next World Cup will be there (FIFA decide on June 1st between Japan and South Korea) and we need to find out about it."
So far Venables has found out that, for all the enthusiasm and investment, there is some way to go in terms of preparing pitch The Worker's Stadium pitch has been passed fit for tomorrow's game, but it is clear that if Venables had not visited and then sent Ted Buxton out to oversee improvements, it would not have been.
It is still poor by international standards, but better than several lower division English grounds were by season's end.
Venables said he is going to "make some changes to see what some players can do and give them some experience." That could mean a first start for Ian Walker and Sol Campbell, and a debut for Phil Neville.
Venables is unlikely to overdo the experimentation at the back. He already has to replace Mark Wright.
The 32 year old defender's medial knee ligament injury, suffered in Saturday's 3-0 Wembley victory over Hungary, would not heal in time for him to continue his England renaissance.
Venables was consoled by the discovery, in training earlier, that both Steve Howey and Tony Adams seemed fit. One of them will probably play tomorrow.
Steve Stone has recovered from his hamstring strain, leaving only Les Ferdinand as a doubt: he has sprained his wrist. England have a light training session today followed by a visit to the Great Wall. It could be a chance to test their free kick routines.
. National League champions St Patrick's Athletic will receive a civic reception from Dublin's Lord Mayor, Sean Dublin Bay Loftus, at 6.30 p.m. this evening at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.
