In reaching England's first ever final overseas in a major tournament, Gareth Southgate's side broke new ground. Along the way they displayed impressive resilience, in addition to their high levels of skill and tactical awareness.
Even in the early rounds when they were not at their best, they always found a way through.
Critics said that they were lucky, but, like all the best teams, they made their own fortune through their determination to keep going.
This was the fourth successive tournament where England reached at least the quarter-finals, a record that far surpasses anything previously achieved.
Central to the side's appeal was its success in blending the modern and the traditional. In its diversity, with the majority of its players of migrant heritage, it was strikingly representative of changing Britain.
That is a key reason why, in contrast to the past, ethnic minority communities have been unequivocal about supporting England.
One of the most moving images of this tournament has been the sight of the flag of St George flying proudly in multiracial urban neighbourhoods.
Denne historien er fra July 15, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 15, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
HOT TO THE TUCH
Thomas has so much talent at his disposal
Southgate showed me how to be smiles better
LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER
Buttler calling for the big two
ONE-DAY HOPES FOR STOKES AND ROOT
Aaron's determined to turn jeers into cheers
AARON WAINWRIGHT fully understands fed-up Wales fans have started voicing their grievances at the long and sorry plight of their side.
SKELTON HAS GREY-T EXPECTATIONS
DAN SKELTON has claimed Betfair Chase favourite Grey Dawning is \"as good as any staying chaser we've had at this stage of their life\".
Billionaire family fight for £21m Idol's Eye gem
A £21MILLION diamond known as the Idol's Eye is being fought over in London by Qatari royals.
Oakes brings fight for trees to No 10
ACTOR David Oakes joins campaigners in Downing Street to deliver a 100,000-name petition calling for historic trees to be protected by law.
Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95
THE French composer behind Edith Piaf's biggest hit died yesterday at the age of 95.
Davina out of intensive care after brain surgery
TV host Davina McCall has made an \"enormous leap forward\" in treatment for a brain tumour, her partner revealed yesterday.
Owner admits killer XL bully was out of control
A MAN whose XL bully mauled his neighbour to death yesterday pleaded guilty to owning an out-of-control dog.
