The whole easy route to the semis thing is such a non-argument. What were we supposed to do say 'after you lads' just cos we were playing perceived weaker sides? This is England we're talking about, beating the lesser teams in major tournaments is something we've not been able to do for 10 years so this year has undoubtedly been a turning point.

 

And no one ever mentions Germany's super hard run to the final in 2002 playing the top footballing powerhouses of Paraguay, USA & South Korea.

Edited July 15, 20187 yr by Dobbo

Bang on Dobbo! You have to beat what’s in front of you and it is certainly progress for us. We’ve only been in the final 4 three times now. Quarter finals should be our aim.

The whole easy route to the semis thing is such a non-argument. What were we supposed to do say 'after you lads' just cos we were playing perceived weaker sides? This is England we're talking about, beating the lesser teams in major tournaments is something we've not been able to do for 10 years so this year has undoubtedly been a turning point.

 

And no one ever mentions Germany's super hard run to the final in 2002 playing the top footballing powerhouses of Paraguay, USA & South Korea.

I was going to mention the same example. Surely the easiest route to the semi-final in World Cup history. It was made even worse by the fact that England - who beat Germany 5-1 in qualifying - were in a group with Argentina, Sweden and a decent Nigerian side. Germany got Ireland, Cameroon and the mighty Saudi Arabia.