For the first time since 2018, a place in the World Cup final feels genuinely within England's grasp. Thomas Tuchel's side might still be three wins away from footballing immortality, but the path to the promised land has rarely looked this smooth.
After battling back from the brink against Mexico in the altitude-soaked cauldron of the Estadio Azteca, the Three Lions have been handed a golden ticket. Their side of the bracket has opened up beautifully.
A blockbuster quarter-final clash with Brazil had been pencilled in for months, but Norway pulled off one of the tournament's greatest shocks, dumping Carlo Ancelotti's Seleção out to book a last-eight date with England.
The other traditional heavyweight on England's side of the draw, Argentina, have hardly looked convincing lately either. The reigning champions needed extra time to edge past unfancied Cape Verde in the last 32 before relying on a late three-goal burst to see off Egypt in the last 16.
Suddenly, the prospect of a favourable run is very real. If England can overcome Norway, the path to the biggest prize in world football looks considerably less daunting than many dared imagine before the tournament began. Here, we take a look at England's 'dream' route to World Cup glory.
Semi-final: England vs Switzerland
Although Argentina have been wobbling, there's no question that a last-four clash with Switzerland would be favourable. Murat Yakin's men topped Group B, with the standout moment of their campaign a 4-1 demolition of Bosnia & Herzegovina on Matchday Two, but they have yet to face one of the tournament's elite. They eased past Algeria 2-0 in the last 32 before needing a penalty shootout to overcome Colombia in the last 16 - and will be big underdogs against Argentina.
Switzerland are seasoned knockout campaigners, but they have never progressed beyond the quarter finals of a major tournament. England also have recent history on their side, having beaten the Swiss on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. While the Three Lions needed a late equaliser to force extra time that day, it came during a tournament in which they were widely criticised for underperforming - suggesting Tuchel's side would have every reason to back themselves if the two nations met again.
Final: England vs Belgium
On paper, England's dream final would be against Belgium - but it is also the least likely part of the equation. While the Three Lions have arguably been handed the kinder half of the draw, Belgium must navigate what looks like the tournament's toughest route just to reach New York. Rudi Garcia's side first have to overcome European champions Spain in the quarter-finals, before a likely semi-final against France, who are favourites to see off Morocco. Winning back-to-back knockout ties against two of the world's strongest sides would require a remarkable effort, even for a Belgium team packed with quality.
If they somehow manage it, England would certainly fancy their chances. Belgium have impressed in spells, but they remain a side the Three Lions would expect to match up well against. For Tuchel's men, it would represent the most favourable possible World Cup final - and the perfect opportunity to end 60 years of hurt on football's biggest stage.
