England fans believe the winners of tonight's crunch quarter-final clash with France have "one hand on the World Cup trophy".
Supporters in Doha sang Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and danced to New Order’s football anthem World In Motion as they enjoyed the atmosphere at the Cabana Hop Garden, at the Qatari capital’s Radisson Blu Hotel.
Friends James Bayley and Charles Johnson, both 28 and from London, arrived in Qatar on Friday morning and said they were on the same flight as Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea forward Sterling returned to the squad after missing last Sunday's last-16 win against Senegal due to concerns over his family's wellbeing following the incident at his home in Surrey.
Mr Johnson, who works in shipping, predicted a 3-1 England win and said: "I think if England start how they did against Senegal, after 30 minutes when Jude (Bellingham) and Hendo ( Jordan Henderson ) took it on, I think we'll be all right."
He added: "I think whoever wins it today has got their hand on the trophy, but we'll see what happens."
Mr Johnson said it had been a "World Cup of upsets", adding: "For once I'm actually confident about England's chances. We were in Russia last time around and there's a good feeling about the team.
"On our plane out here Sterling was on it too with his family so I think that'll be a big boost to the team."
Mr Bayley, who works in sports analysis, predicted 2-1 to England and said: "I'm nervous, look at the two games that went to penalties yesterday. It's going to be tight."
He added: "I'm confident, but I think whoever wins it today you think they're probably favourites after that."
Project manager Mark Bentley, 55, from Walsall, predicted a Harry Kane double to lead England to a 2-0 win, saying: “I’m confident, as ever.”
He added: “They’re two of the best teams on paper but the way this tournament is shaping up at the minute, who knows? But it’s a big chance for whoever wins tonight – well, England are winning.”
Tom Bentley, 19, from Walsall, who works in valuation, also said: “If it’s on penalties then I’ll take it.
“It’ll be a tough game, I can see extra time – after watching the penalties last night, I hope we don’t have to go that far. I reckon extra time, 2-1 England.”
He added: “We’ll be favourites after tonight.”
England fan Joe Terry, 32, who lives in Dubai but comes from Portsmouth, said he was “nervous” ahead of England’s quarter-final but added: “We’re going to win.”
Mr Terry, who works in sports coaching, said many players could make the difference for England before adding: “If we go positive, I think (Harry) Kane will get us the win, two goals for Kane today, 2-1 England.”
Asked about England’s World Cup chances if they can beat France, he added: “We win today, it’s coming home.”
England fan Johnnie Lowery, 24, from Sutton, in south London, said he has been pleased with England’s “solid” performances so far.
The Sutton United supporter said of tonight’s match: “Maybe penalties, hopefully we’ll nick it, my nerves will be shredded either way but I’m hopeful.”
He added: “I don’t think I can sit through 120 minutes and penalties and survive so if it’s in the 90 that’ll be great.”
England fan Marcus Kelvin, 47, from Leeds, said: "I'm thinking 3-1 tonight, the way all the results are going I think this is our game.
"Brazil going out, all the big teams going, it could be the night to shine."
Mark Korn, 35, also from Leeds, added: "We've got to be careful not to overlook tonight. It's a huge change of mindset for the England players, you've got to just get over that hurdle and not going into it thinking 'we're not going to win'.
"Let's go into the game with a positive mental attitude and let's do them. I think it might go all the way, penalties."
Jean Cassidy, 62, from Greater Manchester, said: "I'm feeling nervous, not as nervous as I was earlier - I'm OK now, we're still going to win."
She added: "I think it's going to be 2-1, I think they play together as a team, you see them on Instagram and everything, they just gel, they're enjoying what they're doing, they're enjoying it here and the confidence brings hope."
Thousands of fans will later cheer on England in Al Khor and millions more back home will watch on TV, with pubs and bars readying themselves for another bumper evening.
The British Beer and Pub Association hopes the 7pm kick-off time in the UK will encourage punters to visit their local early.
It predicts six million more pints could be sold during the quarter-final, providing a £26 million boost to the industry.
Extra police officers will be deployed in London given large swathes of English and French football fans are expected to flock to the city.
Downing Street said Rishi Sunak wishes England the "best of luck" and he will watch the game with friends and colleagues at the Prime Minister's countryside retreat, Chequers.
Mr Sunak and the French president joked on Twitter together ahead of England's World Cup game with France.
Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "Dear Rishi Sunak looking forward to the game tonight. If Les Bleus win (they will!), you'll wish us luck in the semi-final... right?"
The Prime Minister responded: "Hopefully I won't have to. But you've got a deal.
"Look forward to you getting behind the Three Lions in the next round."
