Where to start with England’s heroes at the World Cup?

Several players in Gareth Southgate’s squad will return home with their reputations boosted, regardless of whether football does actually come home.

Harry Maguire in particular has been a revelation.

There were questions about how the Leicester City defender would cope in the left of a back three.

But he’s answered them in terrific fashion; he’s been one of England’s best players in Russia and topped things off by scoring the opener against Sweden.

Leicester may have to fend off interest in the 25-year-old upon his return, although they’re in a position to command a hefty transfer fee.

Then there’s Jordan Henderson, who has continued his fine season at Liverpool into the World Cup.

Henderson's heroic defending

The message would be rather different had England lost to Colombia after Henderson missed a penalty in the shootout.

But Henderson responded by producing a fine display in the quarter-final.

One moment of dogged defending really does sum him up.

It came in the 62nd minute, when Sweden pushed in search of a goal.

Jordan Pickford produced a smart stop to his right but he tipped the ball towards Viktor Claesson.

But Henderson was there with the block and he followed that up by flinging his body at the ball to prevent Emil Forsberg from shooting.

Notice Henderson’s celebration at the end of the clip.

Excellent stuff.

Henderson has his critics but you can’t fault his passion.

It’s moments like that which have endeared him to Liverpool supporters.

Yet Henderson’s place in the starting line-up at Anfield is at risk following the arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho.

The 28-year-old won’t be thinking about that, though. He has a World Cup to try and win.

England take on Croatia in the semi-final on Wednesday and it will require their very best to overcome Zlatko Dalic’s side.

Croatia, with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic running the midfield, haven’t tasted defeat so far in the tournament, although they did need penalties to beat Denmark and Russia.

Henderson has already admitted he wouldn’t shy away from taking another penalty if Wednesday’s contest goes the distance.