After two extremely disappointing performances in England’s first two group games, their chances of qualification were looking slim till their winning high-tempo passing performance against Slovenia catapulted them into the knock-out round to the attention of fellow competition favourites.
This swing of achievement, from nearly going out will to qualifying in style will provide a huge boast in energy and belief within the squad that could last for the duration of the competition. But can England really win the FIFA World Cup?