In the realm of English football, a remarkable transformation has unfolded, marking a new era of unprecedented success. Ten years ago, the notion of England becoming a consistent contender in major tournaments seemed far-fetched, given their recent performances. However, the Three Lions have risen from the ashes, fueled by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, to firmly establish themselves in the conversation as potential champions. Since Euro 2016, England has consistently reached the semi-finals in four out of five tournaments, a record only matched by Argentina and France. This remarkable run has set the stage for a potential World Cup triumph in 2026. The journey to this point has been a testament to the power of strategic planning and investment in youth development. In 2013, Greg Dyke, the chairman of the Football Association, recognized the dire need for change. He identified the lack of homegrown talent as a critical issue and set ambitious targets for the England team: reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and winning the World Cup in 2022. While many dismissed these goals as unrealistic, Dyke's vision was not entirely off the mark. The foundation for this success was laid with the implementation of the elite player performance plan (EPPP) in 2011, which allocated £340 million to overhaul elite academies and restructure the system. This was complemented by the establishment of St George's Park in 2012, a state-of-the-art training center for coaching and development at all levels of the England team. The EPPP, a long-term investment in coaching and facilities, has created a production line of talent that has propelled England to new heights. Players like Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Elliot Anderson, all products of the EPPP, have become star names within the squad. The depth of options available to Thomas Tuchel is such that he can afford to leave out players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden, who were part of the squad that reached the final of the Euros just two years ago. The transformation of England's football teams is not only evident in the men's side but also in the Lionesses, who have won back-to-back European Championships and finished as runners-up at the 2023 Women's World Cup. With a home men's Euros in two years, the future looks bright. However, the Three Lions seem to have been cast aside at this tournament, with 'Silence Is Talking' by Reverend & The Makers emerging as the terrace anthem. The song, aided by the trumpeter in the England band playing the riff from War's 'Low Rider', has added lyrics that nod to the past and present, reflecting the fans' readiness to embrace success rather than fear the failures of the past. This team feels more resilient and freed from the shackles of disappointment. England's 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico, despite being reduced to 10 men, is a testament to their newfound resilience. It is time to accept that this is where England belongs, through ability, not history. Tuchel now needs to take the next step, and beat Argentina to send England to the World Cup final for only the second time. Then, anything could happen in New Jersey on Sunday. However, the ultimate goal for the men's team remains: Kane needs to hold aloft a trophy to write the final line.
