England manager Gareth Southgate knows that he has a tricky job on his hands to raise his troops for tomorrow's game with Belgium, but has buoyed them with the rallying call that:
Everything is still to play for -
except for the World Cup, that is.
England lost 1-0 to the stylish Belgians during the group stage, but, both teams having already qualified for the last 16, that game, in reality, meant absolutely nothing - just like this game.
The reward for victory in this match will be the dubious accolade of finishing third in a competition that was already missing Italy and Holland from the very beginning, and quickly lost Germany, Portugal, Spain, Argentina and then Brazil in quick succession, to leave the tournament feeling a bit like the Auto Windscreens Shield - or, one that nobody gives a crap about.
England will be well-supported in the stadium, with many of the fans from the Croatia semi-final loss having delayed their return to England to cheer the Three Lions on. Enthusiasm is at fever pitch. One fan said:
"I hope we win."
Another droned:
"What time does our flight leave?"
A third was a little more philosophical, remarking:
"I can't wait to get home for a good cup of tea and some chips."