Every now and then, however, a little spec of light appears at the end of the tunnel, a break from the constant assault on one’s sense of hearing and of pride. Some young talent emerges, a junior age group performs admirably at a tournament, the band learns a new song. In such a sea of drudgery, it’s hardly surprising that these moments of hope are greeted with a sort of mild hysteria.

In midfield England were even more star-studded. David Beckham. Frank Lampard. Steven Gerrard. Rarely has this nation ever been able to name three players of such clear top-level pedigree in one area of the field, not to mention the likes of Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick, who would go on to claim Champions League winners’ medals during illustrious club careers.

In the eleven years that have followed, it’s hard to argue that England fans have ever had it as good as that disappointing last eight elimination, however depressing that may sound. As member after member of the Golden Generation hung up their boots, England’s results got worse and worse, culminating in 2016’s utter humiliation at the hands of Iceland.

A quick, incisive, genuinely entertaining outfit, England’s under-20s side offered plenty of cause for optimism. Not only were they more than a match for their peers, but within their ranks were players who are already beginning to make an impact at some of the Premier League’s top clubs. Think Kyle Walker-Peters at Tottenham, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman at Everton. Ainsley Maitland-Niles at Arsenal, and Dominic Solanke at Chelsea previously, now Liverpool. Despite their tender years, each has played their way into contention for a starting spot. The ability is there; their development now is simply a question of application and opportunity.

When next summer’s World Cup in Russia rolls round, all the football betting odds will be against England triumphing, and justifiably so. It would be an upset of monstrous proportions. Yet, whilst hysteria must be averted, this is a generation of England players with the potential to do something special. The world is at their feet; they need simply to grasp it. It’s an optimistic viewpoint, for sure, but for fans who simply wish for an end to the drudgery, that glimmer of hope might just be enough.

Author bio

Tim is a keen sports fan and has been writing about football for many years