England scraped past DR Congo this evening with a 2-1 victory, led by a Herculean Harry Kane brace in the final 15 minutes.
To reward the Three Lions, they'll be heading to Mexico City, to play Mexico, in the most intimidating stadium at the 2026 World Cup.
As co-hosts, Javier Aguirre's men have rampaged through this edition, scoring eight, conceding zero, and winning all four; but have England ever beaten a host World Cup nation at their home edition ever before?
England have faced three World Cup hosts: 1990, 1982, and 1954
There is a three game sample size to look at when judging whether England have it in them to beat a World Cup host nation.
The most recent came in 1990, in a game that many would argue is of importance, while others would say is a 'dead rubber.'
That was against hosts Italy in the match to decide third place, in which England lost 2-1.
The drama came from the 70th-minute onwards, tied at 0-0: Roberto Baggio opened the scoring, David Platt equalised for the Three Lions, and Salvatore Schillaci won it with a penalty for Italy in the 86th.
The time prior was against host nation Spain in 1982, which ended slightly more favourably for England, a 0-0 draw.
The Three Lions were the dominant side, forcing captain Luis Arconada to make seven saves during the event.
However, if we go all the way back to 1954, England fans are able to locate a glimmer of hope.
Against host country Switzerland, England willed their way to a 2-0 win with goals from Jimmy Mullen and Dennis Willshaw.
Walter Winterbottom's men proved in 1954 that it is possible for England to beat the World Cup co-hosts, but just the once.
Thomas Tuchel's side will battle Mexico on July 5, hoping to be the first Three Lions side in over 70 years to beat a host nation.
