There are two ways of looking at England in the 2018 World Cup. By almost unanimous agreement, England overachieved by reaching the semifinals and, because of the 2-1 loss to Croatia, playing Belgium in Saturday's third place playoff. The quarterfinals was the best most back home expected, or realistically hoped for, so to go one step further was a bonus.
Of course, nobody remembers who finishes third or fourth in a World Cup — or even beaten finalists — but there is no doubt England has united the nation and Gareth Southgate's squad will return as heroes rather than failures as it did after Euro 2016 and the 2014 World Cup.
The media has showered the team with praise, Southgate is almost beyond criticism and the future for England is bright.
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