The steps England took in the subsequent three tournaments - and the new ground they are seeking to break this summer - owe much to their spirited run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018.
That was the starting point for Gareth Southgate’s side. A young squad proved to themselves that they did not have to be restrained by the failures of England teams past, and it was the foundation from which journeys to the finals of back-to-back European Championships was built.
