What started with a 27-10 win over Argentina in Marseille will finish with a battle for third place against them.
England arrived in Le Touquet on August 31, and embarked on a tour of the country and their own ambitions en route to Saturday's semi-final with South Africa.
When Phileas Fogg went around the world in 80 days, his manservant Jean Passepartout provided all the ways and means to meet that madcap deadline.
England were almost the Passepartout of this tournament - the literal translation being "pass through everything" but the common usage being skeleton key.
Steve Borthwick's resurgent side have done anything other than gone round in circles in France, and so nearly unlocked this competition in stunning fashion.
Saturday night's agonising 16-15 defeat by the Springboks will see the door close on a clutch of England careers, as time catches up with some Borthwick's most experienced men.
For so long after the 2019 World Cup final, England were doomed to a series of false starts under Eddie Jones, to the point where the RFU sacked the taskmaster Australian in December.
Borthwick had little time to turn England from a team that "weren't good at anything" into potential world beaters.
The 44-year-old former Leicester head coach has come far closer to achieving the ultimate goal than many had expected. But it is South Africa who will face New Zealand for the Webb Ellis Cup in Paris on Saturday night.
By that time, Borthwick will already be plotting England's new voyage.
Esta historia es de la edición October 23, 2023 de Evening Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 23, 2023 de Evening Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger
As our final appeal total hits £3.46million we talk to a beneficiary of Refugees at Home a charity we are funding thanks to your amazing support
Make new and lasting changes
The start of a new year often inspires positive changes, and for those seeking to reclaim their mental health and wellbeing, Ibiza Calm provides a haven of transformation and healing
Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings
Have you ever wondered why you feel constantly tired, experience brain fog or struggle with health issues like skin problems, pain or mood swings?
The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout
Chefs: duller than you think. Sporting rumours of delinquency still propagate—’shrooms at award shows, clingfilm mischief — but the naughty boys and girls are largely a lost breed.
Make room for what matters
The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.
She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen
It has been two years since action thriller The Night Agent landed on Netflix, but Luciane Buchanan, the breakout star of this twisty hit, still gets messages about it — ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets
A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits
Nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Tracy Tredoux suggests ways to start the new year as you mean to go on
Ski's chicest, for before and après
This season's essential skiing guide for any budget
