ENGLAND DARES TO DREAM

REPINO, Russia - Qualification for the last 16 secured with a game to spare, Harry Kane leading the Golden Boot race and a record World Cup win after thrashing Panama 6-1 - England could not have wished for a better start in Russia.

Even accounting for soft opposition in the World Cup debutants and Tunisia before that, England's campaign contrasts starkly with four years ago when it was already eliminated after just two games in Brazil.

England is the third-youngest squad in Russia and it shows. The Three Lions look full of energy and lack the fear of failure that has blight-ed their 52-year wait to win a major tournament.