Gareth Southgate says England's players are ready to make history, having overcome external noise, the weight of expectation and a fear of failure to reach another European Championship semi-final.
After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.
England are now preparing for a third semi-final in four major tournaments, with the Netherlands standing between them and a second successive Euros final.
"You’re now into that moment in the tournament where it’s what’s possible, what’s achievable, rather than what might go wrong," boss Southgate said.
"This is now the chance to make history, which we’ve enjoyed doing. A chance to get to a first final not held in England – first time England will have ever done that.
"We’re trying to break new ground. That’s difficult and it’s complicated, but the players have responded brilliantly and resilience has been built."
That strength was needed during the early stages of the tournament in Germany, where frustrated England fans greeted the end of the group draws against Denmark and Slovenia with boos.
Some beer cups were even aimed Southgate’s way after the latter stalemate in Cologne, where he warned the "unusual environment" around them was making life harder for the players.
High-profile criticism from former internationals like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer added to the background noise, which all combined to have a negative impact on the team.
"There’s been a definite shift," Southgate said on the eve of the Signal Iduna Park showdown. "I was really interested (because) as a coach sometimes you take a step back and you observe.
"One of the strengths of us over the last seven, eight years has been less fear, less inhibition.
"England have been pretty crap to be honest. They've not played well, but they've got to this level and could go onto the final"
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 9, 2024
Our analyst @StephenKelly_2 hasn't been overly impressed by England ahead of their semi-final with the Netherlands.#Euro2024 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/IOfYuygyEh
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