Much to the soothsayers' surprise, the 2018 FIFA World Cup proved to be England's most successful since the fabled campaign of 1990.
While the 'national heroes' moniker was perhaps a step too far, there's no doubt that they've brought a renewed sense of optimism to the international game in England, and in that way, football did come home.
Here are their overall tournament ratings:
5. Goalkeepers
Pickford 8/10: A star was born in the Spartak arena. With that penalty save, Jordan Pickford vanquished the heartbreak of so many before him. Away from that euphoric moment, he was assured throughout in the face of some skepticism beforehand.
Butland 5/10: Did....a job? It's hard to analyse a deputy, but I suppose Butland provided some nice back-up to Jordan, and didn't cause any chemistry problems when there were calls for Pickford to be dropped.
Pope 5/10: Equally good stuff from Nick, although his main role was being the one player that not every England fan recognised.
4. Defenders
Ashley Young 6/10: Justified his selection by providing a threat from set pieces with his venomous left foot, but found wanting in defence occasionally and visibly tired in the semi.
Danny Rose 5/10: Was rightly taken as, when fully fit, he's England's most well rounded left-back, but made little impact overall.
Harry Maguire 8/10: Despite having a few doubters going into it, Maguire came of age in Russia, with his inordinately big head and heart capturing those of the nation. Undoubtedly won meme of the tournament as well.
John Stones 6/10: Had the best passing accuracy of anyone at the World Cup, but still showed signs of his defensive deficiencies.
Gary Cahill 4/10: As alluded to by Gareth Southgate, helped admirably with morale, but that is all.
Kyle Walker 6/10: Was both a help and hindrance in the centre back position. Facilitated Trippier's excellence, but never looked totally comfortable in a back three.
Kieran Trippier 9/10: Unequivocally England's best performer, and probably the best right back at the World Cup. He was at the forefront of everything positive the team achieved, and never backed down in the face of considerable hype.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 4/10: Can be nothing but a positive experience for him in the long term, but he looked surprisingly overwhelmed in his one appearance against Belgium.
Phil Jones 2/10: Achieved peak Phil Jones-ness when he let Hazard in for his goal in the third place play-off.
3. Midfielders
Eric Dier 5/10: Slotted the decisive penalty against Colombia, so will be cemented in English folklore for the years to come, but was a perennial cause for nerves elsewhere.
Jesse Lingard 7/10: Missed a gilt-edged chance against Croatia, but was England's most dangerous midfielder, and scored their best goal of the tournament.
Dele Alli 6/10: Never appeared fully fit, but still made his mark with the goal against Sweden. Would've been great to see him exert more influence on the big stage, but was clearly limited.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 6/10: England's brightest talent moving forward, he showed why whenever he was given the chance in Russia. If he doesn't get game time at Chelsea this season, I'll riot. Peacefully, but stridently.
Jordan Henderson 6/10: Was impressive as a one man pressing machine, but tired as the games rolled on, and his capacity to play a pass deserted him against Croatia.
Fabian Delph 5/10: Husband of the year.
2. Attackers
Danny Welbeck 1/10: Nothing to be said for 'Dat Guy' with no minutes to his name.
Jamie Vardy 4/10: A poor tournament for the Leicester man, he regularly offered nothing but legs off the bench, and was too injured to take the decisive penalty he was supposed to.
Harry Kane 7/10: There has been some derisory sniffs at his Golden Boot, but those penalties were emphatic and pivotal. Would've been a much higher rating had his influence not waned following the last 16, presumably down to a lower level of fitness. Still the most effective out and out number nine in world football.
Marcus Rashford 6/10: Was enthusiastic and willing as a substitute, but never had the moment that his strike against Costa Rica portended to.
Raheem Sterling 6/10: His runs gave England so much going forward, and consistently got defenders on the back foot, but once again his finishing let him down. Was still England's most threatening player when it mattered against Croatia, and coped typically well with the ridiculous and sinister criticism he seems to provoke.
1. Coaching Staff
Gareth Southgate 9/10: While he perhaps showed his managerial inexperience against Croatia when he failed to make his changes earlier, his general managing of the campaign was flawless. His man-management was exquisite, and he was the principle reason for the flood of goodwill that descended upon this group of players. England haven't been this well governed at major tournament since 1990.
Steve Holland 8/10: An ideal foil for Gareth's style, and his set piece expertise came to the fore in the most overt way in Russia.
Allan Russell 8/10: The Scottish journeyman turned striker coach has pioneered role specific management, thanks to his time spent in America - modeled off the NFL's coaching structure - and was integral in founding England's new penchant for penalties.
Pippa Grange 8/10: The team's psychologist was instrumental in implementing the newfound mental fortitude present in this set-up, and finding the optimal balance between a relaxed and fruitful atmosphere.