England's football team has become a serial contender in major tournaments, with a record of reaching at least the semi-finals in four out of five tournaments since Euro 2016.

England's football team has achieved unprecedented success, reaching at least the semi-finals in four out of five tournaments since Euro 2016. Spearheaded by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, England is now a potential champion. They will face Argentina in the final four after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.

Historic Context

Ten years ago, the idea of England becoming a serial contender in major tournaments would have been laughable. However, since Euro 2016, England has reached at least the semi-finals in four out of five tournaments, a record only surpassed by Argentina and France. England's past was marked by early exits, including a loss to Iceland in Euro 2016 and a dismal World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Current Team

The current England team is built to compete, with a production line of talent created by the elite player performance plan (EPPP). Players like Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Elliot Anderson are products of the EPPP. The team's depth is evident, with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden able to be left out of the squad. Thomas Tuchel is now tasked with taking the next step.

Transformation

The transformation of English football is incredible, but not accidental. In 2013, Greg Dyke, the chairman of the Football Association, criticized the structure of English football and set targets for the team to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and win the World Cup in 2022. The EPPP, which was voted through by EFL clubs in 2011, has funded an overhaul of elite academies and restructured the system. The plan has created a production line of talent, with academy players using state-of-the-art training centers and joining up with the England development teams.