In swatting aside Lithuania 3-0 in their final Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday night, England made it 10 wins in 10 games to secure maximum points.
Not only are they the only team to finish with a perfect record in qualifying for next year’s tournament, but they became only the sixth team in history to manage the feat, scoring 31 goals and only conceding 3 in the process.
It's only few Teams to qualify with 100% record in #Euro.
France -1992
Czech Republic -2000
France -2004
Germany & Spain -2012
England -2015— The Funny Old Game (@funnyoldtweets) October 12, 2015
However, the general mood amongst the fans was one of mild satisfaction rather than giddy elation. It seems that as a nation, the English have finally learnt to temper their expectations after continued tournament disappointment.
We asked a very simple question midway through the game, once it was obvious that England were heading for yet another comfortable victory…
In all seriousness how do we think England will do in Euro 2016?
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) October 12, 2015
The responses were less than optimistic…
@JOE_co_uk out at the group stage.
— Marc with a C (@MarcWilliams22) October 12, 2015
@JOE_co_uk QF'S
— Callum (@callumLtfc) October 12, 2015
@JOE_co_uk as normal crap, and will probably get beaten by Albania
— Richard Goodman (@rgoodman81) October 12, 2015
@JOE_co_uk depends on draw and injuries leading up to tournament. Quarters/Semi if we get a kind draw
— Chris Novaks (@chrisnovaks) October 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/quiffybollocks/status/653660131310338048
@JOE_co_uk if favourable group, R16/qf, if not favourable group- exit at group stage
— 🏆 Praneet Bagga 🏆 (@praneetbagga) October 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/Djohn1977/status/653661457788370944
@JOE_co_uk uninspiring wins and draws in the group but will make it to the quarters after a close game in the knock out stage i reckon
— Steve Orr (@SteveOrr_) October 12, 2015
@JOE_co_uk out of the group that's it
— Dec (@Dec10Smith) October 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/The_Dermo/status/653660076088102912
But there’s always one…
https://twitter.com/DazChamberlain/status/653659766217146369