There has been a common theme running through the player interviews this week.
Kieran Trippier said it. Harry Maguire said it. Kyle Walker believes too. Four years ago, England were along for the ride, they loved every minute of the World Cup campaign in 2018 but never truly believed that they could win it.
This time, England genuinely think they can lift the trophy and they are approaching the France game with that mentality.
It was highlighted by Manchester United captain Maguire. He said: “I think that’s the one thing I’d say that’s a lot different from the 2018 squad to this squad. I think we really believe that it is possible.
"I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and I think a lot of the lads were happy. You were happy to be part of the semi-final.
“You know that whatever happened in that semi-final that you’d go home and be classed as a hero when you get home you’d get a good reception and everyone would be patting you on the back.
“I think now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament. It is a good change in the mentality. Of course, we know how tough it is going to be.” Trippier said similar on Thursday. Unless you truly believe - you will never win it.
Undoubtedly, France are the toughest team England have faced to date as they are the reigning world champions, have the best player in the world in Kylian Mbappe and know what it takes to win the World Cup.
It is back at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday night. It will be 10pm here, 7pm back in the UK with a huge TV audience and the nation tuning in.
The interest has never been greater, the stakes never higher and yet there is also a nice, relaxed atmosphere at the England training base at Al Wakrah.
If you speak to French journalists, they will make England slight favourites. They reckon England have a stronger squad. England are growing in belief.
I reckon France are favourites but England, for the first time in a long while, have a genuine chance. Bring on tomorrow. The serious business starts here.
