For the first time in 28 years, England will be playing in a World Cup semi-final.

The nation’s disappointments on the international stage have been well documented but everything has come together in Russia.

From being in the same group as Tunisia and Panama to competing in the half of the knockout stage that avoided the big teams, things have gone extremely well for Gareth Southgate.

And there is a growing belief that maybe, just maybe, this could be their year.

Croatia promise to be England’s toughest opponents to date but their confidence to be taken from the manner of the 2-0 win against Sweden.

It was only when they were 2-0 up that Sweden began to trouble England and Jordan Pickford was equal to their efforts.

The Everton goalkeeper has only enhanced his reputation with a wonderful tournament.

How German media have reacted

And his performances have attracted the attention of the worldwide media, with the German press announcing that England have found their goalkeeper.

“England finally have a ‘keeper again!” wrote Bild, who believe England’s No.1 should be renamed ‘Jordan Big-ford’.

Germany’s football rivalry with England stretches back decades but the media are fully supportive of Southgate and his team.

The Daily Mail have done some digging and the response in Germany to England’s showing in Russia has been very positive.

It seems that, after watching their own nation’s dismal tournament, the Germans have chosen England as their team for the rest of the World Cup.

“I’ve got something to say to you England,” a columnist in 11 Freunde magazine wrote. “Bring football home, you've bloody well earned it.”

Comedian Matze Knop made a YouTube video entitled: ‘Why England will win the World Cup’.

“The English have passion, they’re fighting, they’re spitting, they want it, not like our lot,” Knop said.

While Gareth Southgate is becoming a national treasure in England, he’s received enormous praise in Germany.

“Southgate's passion, innovation, hard work and expertise have seen him revitalise England,” Welt opined after the Sweden win.

Meanwhile, Bild reported last week at 43 per cent of German punters were backing England to win the World Cup.

Oh how the tables have turned.