Sunday 2 June 2019 00:00, UK
John Stones believes the nation now expects England to deliver after last summer's World Cup heroics saw Gareth Southgate's side reach the semi-finals.
The defender feels the run to the last four before losing 2-1 to Croatia is proof the team are on the brink of something special ahead of Thursday's Nations League semi-final with Holland in Portugal, live on Sky Sports.
"It is exciting because last summer seems so far away now," Stones said.
"We did everything we could so that when we went out there we knew we were ready for any scenario.
"We need to deliver again now and that's the expectation that we have put on ourselves. And there is huge potential with the younger guys.
"I couldn't imagine it happening years ago but now we're so close to something special.
"I can't imagine what the scenes will be like if we do it, and touch wood, we do it. Because it would be something special for all of us."
Stones could start for England after losing his place in the Manchester City side this year, having started just eight Premier League games in 2019 and only three of City's final 10 matches as they won the title ahead of Liverpool by a single point.
But he insists he understands the need to put the team first at the Etihad ahead of any personal goals or achievements.
He said: "I felt in previous seasons, especially when I was younger from 19 to 21 maybe, I would have focused too much on 'What am I doing? Why aren't I?' and not thinking about the greater good of the team.
"That's what everyone did this season and I think that's why we pulled through in every competition except the Champions League.
"For football fans in general, they remember us winning things, the big games.
"They don't remember the first half of the season, maybe to the start of January
"That's where I believe every bit of hard work, every game we've won is setting you up for that second half of the season.
"I was a massive part of that and I realise my role is something bigger than playing, sometimes."
