England are finally back in the knock out stages of a World Cup.

Gareth Southgate’s team sent hopes soaring after their stunning win over Panama that saw them smash six goals past the hapless South Americans.

However, Southgate came in for a lot of criticism after making eight changes for his team’s final group game against Belgium, with many believing that the manager had squandered any and all of the momentum built up by the wins over Tunisia and Panama.

It turned one of the most hotly anticipated games of the tournament into a bit of a damp squib as Belgium strolled to an unremarkable 1-0 win.

But while that defeat might leave a bit of a sour taste in the mouth of many fans, Peter Crouch has put it all into perspective stating that in the long run, the loss could prove highly beneficial.

Writing in his weekly column for the Daily Mail, Crouchy questioned why people saw the Belgium tactics as a big mistake in England’s bid for World Cup glory.

“So that’s where my question comes from about this defeat being seen as bad: the way I see it, things could not have panned out much better and it’s worth just spelling out the scenario that England are facing.

“If someone had said to you before the tournament that England would beat Tunisia and Panama, lose to Belgium then face Colombia and either Switzerland or Sweden to get to the semi-finals, I don’t think you would have turned it down.”

Spot on Pete.

England have the best chance they’ve had in a long time to make it to at least the semi-finals of the global showpiece and there is no doubting that if that should happen, all the nay-sayers will have to keep quiet.

However, focus is required.

Colombia is a team stacked with very capable footballers and Harry Kane and the lads will have to be at their absolute best to beat them.

Perhaps any talk of semi-finals and finals should be shelved for the moment.

Just make sure you bring the Round of 16 home, for now.