England are just two matches away from the World Cup final.

Gareth Southgate’s side defeated Colombia the hard way, winning a penalty shootout to set up a meeting with Sweden in the quarter-final.

It’s an opportunity that, realistically, Southgate never could have envisioned.

The defeat to Belgium in the final group game has actually been a huge positive for England.

The players won’t be afraid of any of their opponents standing in the way of the final.

Should England defeat Sweden, they will face either Croatia or Russia in the semi-final.

That’s where the true test will lie, with either France, Brazil, Belgium or Uruguay awaiting, but anything can happen in a 90-minute match.

Fabregas on Maguire

Several of Southgate’s players have impressed in Russia, particularly John Stones, Harry Kane and Kieran Tripper.

And another player who is enjoying a fine tournament is Leicester City defender Harry Maguire.

Maguire only made his international debut in 2017 but he has been one of England’s best performers in Russia.

His efforts have caught the eye of Cesc Fabregas, who raved about the 25-year-old in his column for the Telegraph.

The Spanish midfielder believes Maguire has only kicked on since then.

“The most consistent team wins and the most defensively compact teams with the best ideas do well,” Fabregas wrote.

“John Stones always comes out with the ball and likes to play, and Harry Maguire the same.

“I always liked Maguire since Chelsea played against him while he was with Hull at Stamford Bridge.

“I always kept an eye on him since that game. He was really good, confident.

“He came out with the ball and had personality. He can play, he can defend. He’s not slow, he’s good with his head.

“I could feel from that day that he would do well and I’m happy he proved me right.

“He takes risks and tries to break up lines. I like these kinds of players.”

Maguire is just the type of defender England have been missing for a few years.