REPINO, Russia, July 10 (Reuters) - There has been a relentless positivity and forward-looking tenor to England's approach to this World Cup but before the adventure in Russia began, manager Gareth Southgate forced his players to confront a nightmare from the past.
Two years ago England crashed out of the European Championship in the first knockout round with a 2-1 defeat by Iceland after an abysmal performance.
The result against the tiny Scandinavian country, who had clearly been hugely undervalued, was a humiliation for a proud football nation that appeared to have badly lost its way.
England looked drained of all inspiration and confidence and their manager Roy Hodgson quit on the spot.