Under new manager Roy Hodgson, England have started to play like a very united club side, with no prima donnas, an evident team spirit and a steely determination to overcome the odds.
They showed that in their Group D victories over Sweden last week, when they recovered to win 3-2, and against co-hosts Ukraine on Monday when a 1-0 scoreline in the Donbass Arena sealed top spot and a quarter-final with Italy in Kiev on Sunday.
England's players have battled and supported each other like they do at their clubs - just as Hodgson asked them to when he arrived in Ukraine - and under the urbane and diplomatic veteran coach they actually look as if they are enjoying being here.
As Hodgson said after beating Ukraine: "It has been a really good tournament for us and we have enjoyed every minute of it. It's not a question of expectations any more, we just want to keep going and enjoy it for as long as we can."
"We know our qualities, and what we are capable of and we are enjoying being here and working together as a team," he said.
"We've worked hard and done a lot of tactical play in training. We are becoming harder to beat and I don't think any team will fancy playing us."
Skipper Steven Gerrard, named man of the match for an impressive display against Ukraine, said he was delighted with the way the team performed on Monday even if they did enjoy the luck when an effort from Ukraine's Marco Devic appeared to cross the line with just over an hour played.
"This is a very professional and very committed group of players who are totally united and working very hard together," he said afterwards. "We know what we have done before, we get to the quarter-finals and then go home, but things do change.
"To be successful you need a little luck and perhaps ours is turning. We are looking forward to the next game, we don't fear anyone and h
