Centre-back Harry Maguire says England are “really confident” they can win the World Cup unlike any other in 2018.
Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago and face world champions France in the last eight in Qatar on Saturday.
Victory will see them face either Portugal or Morocco for a place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966.
After reaching the Euro 2020 final, Maguire says the team’s mentality has changed positively.
“I think that’s the one thing I would say is very different from the 2018 squad to this squad – I think we really believe it’s possible,” said the Manchester United captain.
“I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-finals and I think a lot of guys were happy. You were happy to be a part of the semi-finals.
“You know whatever happened in that semi-final that you’re going to go home and be classed as a hero and everybody’s going to pat you on the back.
“I think now there is a belief that we have to win this tournament. It is a good change in mentality.
“Of course, we know how difficult it is going to be. I think there are probably five or six teams with the same belief.
“But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of the teams that believed that. Now there are five or six that believe that and we’re one of them.”
Maguire, 29, has started every game for England so far at the World Cup despite struggling for game time and form at club level this season.
His performances in Qatar have paid off the faith that manager Southgate placed in him, but Maguire says his self-belief has never wavered.
“I don’t read much if I’m honest,” he said. “You pick up bits and bobs and my family probably reads more stuff than I do. I tell them to stay off [social media], but maybe they don’t because that’s what most people do these days.
“I read a little bit more, but I’m 29, captain of Manchester United and have played 52 times for my country.
“So, when I look back on my career and put everything in perspective, if I was a young guy I’m living the dream. I’m doing everything I’ve always wanted to do.
“Where I am now, in the next phase of my career I want to start winning trophies.
“Last year was difficult, and I didn’t play as well as I have in the last five years at the top level.
“But I think Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] are probably the only two who haven’t had a slump in their careers.
“It’s a 15-year career if you’re really lucky, there’s really no way, especially with all the scrutiny that defenders have these days, you’re not going to have dips.
“I’ll probably have one more, but it’s how you come back, how you come back from them.
