Actually, they still are.
No they are not.This people can only be exceptions which every country have.Have a few
friends from there and they just mocking around about they NT last few years.Media also pretty much.
This year they have some optimism cause England looking good in first two games with full squad.Its not about game itself and opponents but about determination,spirit and mentality.Something has changed,Southgate brings some good stuff and they can go far this time for real.Also,when was last time that England create so many chances on WC or EC even against opponents like Panama and Tunis?
In this other thread you say Trippier "wasn't really noticed".No,he is just one of the best (F)Bs on the tournament in that two games.I could see that watching games and statistics also can prove that.Also RLC was good as a sub but not that good as a starter last game.Kane score important goal in first match,what else you need from your striker?Imagine this was Icardi for Argentina against Iceland.
I dont know if they will beat Colombia cause they have good team (in weaker form than on previous WC in my opinion) but they have realistic chance to go far.And I will repeat,its not about game itself but spirit and stuff like that in this NT.Even I here in Croatia far from England can notice that in this team.
Before 10 years or even less I also did not like this national team because of the arrogance and stuffs like that but now I see some new winds and for that reason I will cheer for England this time.
I am also for Germany (cause I live here few years) since I started to watch WC and also Argentina (obvious connection with Inter).Don't have problems with that Germany-England rivalry.
My English is horrible and I wrote this much...I'm out