'We're not those people, we're winners' said goalkeeper Joe Hart in reference to the many millions, myself included, who questioned England's ability to escape a group which they eventually topped. And he said it with some conviction. Under Roy Hodgson's guidance this England side finally seem to have some belief and are looking in good form for their quarter-final with Italy this Sunday, and whatever lies beyond that point.
Hodgson hasn't revolutionised things in terms of personnel, but he has introduced some fresh blood in the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a brave choice but one who has looked assured in his one start and two substitute appearances so far. The spine of the Three Lions remains players from the so-called 'Golden Generation' with John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole (the latter two closing in on a century of caps) proving critical so far, as well as Wayne Rooney, whose return from suspension was marked with the winning goal against Ukraine on Tuesday. Remarkably, only seven players have scored more goals than Rooney in the history of the European Championship, with his header adding to the four he bagged as an 18-year-old in the group stage of Euro 2004. However, around this spine, players who were admittedly all involved to varying extents under Fabio Capello have finally established themselves. Hart himself has looked imperious in goal, Joleon Lescott's performances have meant his £22m transfer fee, once ridiculed, doesn't look so silly anymore and Scott Parker has justified his recent reputation as England's best midfield enforcer, making the fact he still has less than twenty caps aged 31 seem ludicrous.
Up front Danny Welbeck scorer of the fantastic winner against Sweden, is the only genuine youngster who is currently in the starting line-up, but there are clearly opportunities for many young players to force their way into this side. Andy Carroll has impressed, particularly with his powerful header against Sweden, and with substitutes of the calibre of Theo Walcott, Carroll and Jermain Defoe at his disposal, Hodgson certainly doesn't lack options to change things during a game. Yet what Hodgson has done so well in this tournament so far is not so much his selection of the squad or even selection of starting line-ups but the way he has imposed organisation upon a group of players who didn't look like they knew what they were doing in World Cup 2010 and the failed qualification for Euro 2008. Unlike in the past where notably Steven Gerrard, amongst others, has been played out of position, Hodgson is playing to his squad's strength. A 4-4-2 with a focus on Gerrard and Parker screening a reliable defence with the creative Ashley Young and hard-working James Milner on the flanks has done the business so far. There remain cries for Walcott to start in Milner's place but Hodgson will be thinking that if it's not broken, why fix it? Welbeck and Rooney's partnership has worked effectively for Manchester United this season and Hodgson is likely to stick with them, utilising Carroll and Defoe from the bench and having the further option of playing Young as a second striker (as he did against France) with Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left wing. Rooney may have jeopardised England's chances with his foolish suspension, but there is no denying his talent and will to win, something which will be crucial in the latter stages of the tournament.
The FA have also improved the perception of the England squad through their release of exclusive videos of players relaxing and socialising, as well as the decision to base themselves in the city of Krakow instead of in isolation, as was the case in Rustenberg, South Africa. This positivity coming from the England squad is working wonders to give England a new direction and the nation a new attitude towards the national football team. There is still a long way to go to make amends for the disappointments of the last few years but things are on the up. With Hodgson at the helm, and a new national football centre (St George's Park) set to be complete later this year, youngsters will be looking forward to getting involved with the England set-up more than in previous years. Concerns must remain over the central midfield, with the first choice four of Gerrard, Parker and the now-injured Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard all the wrong side of thirty. In Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Jack Rodwell there are three extremely talented players who could be part of the England set-up for the next decade and more, but all three have suffered badly from injuries and Hodgson will be desperate to see them returning to action in the near future. If they do, and with other youngsters such as Welbeck, Carroll, Oxlade-Chamberlain and (the as yet unused at the Euros) Phil Jones coming through, the road to Brazil 2014 will look like a pleasant one. Even if England do crash out to Italy on Sunday, this tournament would have been a success and an improvement. Some of Hodgson's decisions may remain dubious (the inclusion of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson amongst others) but he has England organised and thinking positively. As Greece proved emphatically in 2004, organisation can get you a very long way.
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