England face Spain in their first game since reaching the World Cup
semi-finals. They hope to use their summer success to power them on
to even greater.
England are looking to carry the momentum from
a successful World Cup with them as they set off on their latest
journey.
Two months after reaching the semi-finals in Russia, England return
to action on Saturday against Spain in the new Nations League
tournament.
It's the first step on the road to Euro 2020, and Jordan Henderson
sees no reason why they can't use their best World Cup showing in 28
years as the "fuel to be better and want to be the best."
"We had the belief we could achieve something really special and go
even further," the midfielder told the BBC.
"So we can use that and go forward."
The young England squad - averaging just 26 years of age - received
plenty of plaudits after their efforts in Russia far exceeded
expectations.
And manager Gareth Southgate has elected to keep the majority of the
squad intact by bringing back 18 of the 23 players to start the slow
build-up to the Euros.
"When you look at the squad I have named, all of that squad should be
available in two years time," he said
"We only have 20 matches between now and the European Championships,
we don't want to waste time looking at new things.
"From here we have a two-year lead into the European championships,
so I want us to try and capture what we had this summer and why they
felt it went well - but, once we're through this camp, there's going
to be competition from others."
A minor criticism of England's summer was their results against
quality teams.
They defeated Tunisia, Panama, Colombia (in a shoot-out) and Sweden,
while losing twice to Belgium and once to eventual runners-up
Croatia.
Former World Cup and European champion Spain will provide a
fantastic challenge, according to Kieran Trippier.
"Obviously, Spain will be a big test and we want to play the likes of
them to show that we are here and we are ready," the defender said.
"We know the quality we have got in our dressing room and on our day
we can beat anyone.
"You need to beat the best and Spain are one of the best in the
world.
"We are looking forward to it, it's a new thing that's going on [the
Nations League] and we are ready for Saturday."
The World Cup run caught the fancy of a nation long accustomed to
disappointment at tournaments.
Supporters fell in love with the players and Southgate, who even had
a stop on the London Underground temporarily named in his honour, as
a feel-good atmosphere enveloped the squad and pubic.
And though they came up a bit short, Trippier wants the fans to come
along again on the next ride.
"We wanted to bring the nation back with the team, we wanted to play
well," he said.
"They were all supporting us in numbers, it was crazy, the video that
we saw.
"We were happy to put a smile on the nation's face again but we have
got another tough task ahead of us and, hopefully, we can make many
more memories."