As I sit down to reflect on the England national football team's remarkable journey, I can't help but draw parallels with the recent volleyball showdown I witnessed in the Philippines. Just last week, I watched Sisi and Choco Mucho secure that stunning quarterfinal victory against Savi and PLDT in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. The way Sisi tipped her hat to Rondina's 31-point performance reminded me so much of how Harry Kane acknowledges his teammates after crucial England wins. Both scenarios showcase that beautiful dynamic where individual brilliance fuels collective triumph, and that's precisely what has defined England's football renaissance over the past decade.
When I first started following England seriously during the 2018 World Cup, there was something different about this squad compared to the teams I'd watched struggle through previous tournaments. The transformation began with Gareth Southgate's appointment in 2016, but it really crystallized during that unforgettable run in Russia. I remember staying up until 3 AM to watch that penalty shootout against Colombia - the first England had ever won at a World Cup. The psychological barrier that broke cannot be overstated. Before that match, England had lost six of their seven World Cup shootouts. The numbers speak for themselves: from 1990 to 2012, England won just 14% of major tournament knockout matches. Since 2018, that figure has jumped to an impressive 67%.
The Euro 2020 campaign, despite the heartbreaking final, represented another quantum leap. I've never seen Wembley so electric as during that 2-0 victory against Germany. The tactical maturity England displayed that day was light years ahead of the team that lost to Iceland in 2016. Southgate's decision to switch to a back-three system specifically to counter Germany's strengths showed a level of strategic sophistication we hadn't seen from England in decades. What impressed me most wasn't just the victory itself, but how they managed the game after going ahead - something English teams historically struggled with.
Looking at the current squad, the depth is genuinely staggering. When I compare it to the 2010 World Cup team, the difference in quality beyond the starting eleven is night and day. Southgate now has legitimate game-changers like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka who can turn matches in an instant. The statistics bear this out - England's substitutes have contributed 12 goals and 8 assists in major tournaments since 2018, compared to just 3 goals and 2 assists between 2010 and 2016. This bench strength reminds me of how Sisi's Choco Mucho could rely on multiple contributors beyond their star performer, creating that layered threat that makes teams truly formidable.
What often gets overlooked in England's recent success is the cultural shift within the setup. The leadership group featuring Kane, Jordan Henderson, and Harry Maguire has fostered an environment where young players actually thrive rather than crumble under pressure. I've spoken with several journalists who cover the team regularly, and they consistently mention the positive atmosphere compared to previous eras. This intangible factor matters more than people realize - it's the difference between players performing at 90% versus 110% when the stakes are highest.
The road ahead, however, presents new challenges that will test this golden generation. The 2022 World quarterfinal exit against France exposed lingering issues in managing games against elite opposition. Personally, I thought Southgate was too cautious after Kane's equalizer - we needed more proactive substitutions to seize the initiative. The data supports this: England completed just 12 passes in the final third during the last 15 minutes compared to France's 28. These fine margins separate good teams from champions.
Looking toward Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, England's prospects have never been brighter, but the competition is evolving too. Teams like Spain and Germany are rebuilding with frightening young talent, while traditional powerhouses France and Brazil remain formidable. What encourages me is that England's youth system continues producing exceptional players - the Under-21s recent European Championship victory showcased another wave of talent ready to transition to the senior team.
If there's one lesson from England's journey that resonates with me, it's that sustained success requires both individual brilliance and collective resilience - much like Rondina's 31-point performance needed Sisi's supporting role to secure victory. For England to finally lift another trophy, they'll need their stars to shine in big moments while the entire squad maintains the unity that's become their trademark. The foundation is there, the talent is undeniable, and the mentality has transformed. As someone who's followed this team through decades of disappointment, I genuinely believe we're witnessing the most promising period in English football history. The glory isn't just possible anymore - it's expected.
