Friday 16 June 2017 15:37, UK
It is now the Under-21s' turn to continue England's summer of success. We look at how England's men and women have fared in various international tournaments so far, and what is still to come.
England's men's senior internationals may be preoccupied with bronzing themselves this close season, but England's women's team, and various strands of an exciting youth set-up, have either already excelled in a summer tournament or have a finals appearance on the horizon.
Two trophies down, with a potential four more up for grabs, whatever is happening at St George's Park seems to be paying off. Here we examine England's summer success to date, and whether more silverware is in the offing.
England's women's Under-17s put in a spirited effort in the first international tournament of the summer last month but were denied a semi-final spot after being beaten by Norway. Germany were the tournament winners, of course.
Then, it was the men's Under-17s' turn. Having won the tournament in 2014, the latest starlets keen to make an impression almost emulated the Young Lions' efforts of three years ago this time around.
Steve Cooper's men won every group game, scoring 10 times and conceding just once, before earning a place in the final after disposing of the Republic of Ireland and Turkey.
The perennial penalty problem reared its ugly head once again in the final, as Spain claimed the honours. A fine showing, nonetheless.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn talks of a desire to turn St George's Park into "football's Harvard" and has been keen to point to England "punching their weight" at youth level. Success in Europe has been achieved at youth level, but on a global scale, England have flattered to deceive at all levels since football came home in 1966.
Coming into the Under-20 World Cup, England's squad boasted numerous Premier League appearances between the personnel. Hopes were high, but winning the tournament exceeded everyone's wildest dreams.
Penalties were avoided, old foes Argentina were brushed aside with aplomb, while Venezuela were no match for the resurgent Young Lions in the final.
To add to the feeling of euphoria, another fledgling England side retained the Toulon tournament the day before Dominic Solanke's double inspired the Under-20s to World Cup success. The annual Toulon tournament is an Under-20 event, but the World Cup in South Korea took precedence, so Neil Dewsnip's side in Toulon were mainly aged 19 or younger. That didn't stop the Young Lions bringing home the trophy nonetheless.
Friday sees England Under-21s get their Euros campaign under way against Sweden. There's plenty of ability and experience in the squad, but the new 12-team format makes an already tough tournament almost insurmountable.
Group A consists of England, Sweden, Slovakia - who knocked out the Netherlands in qualification - and hosts Poland. Aidy Boothroyd's England could feasibly have a good tournament, finish second in the group and still not reach the last four. Only the top teams from each of the three groups will progress to the semi-finals, along with the best runner-up. Tough.
England Under-19s will take part in the Euros in July, with eight teams taking part. They come into the tournament in fine fettle, having won their last four games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just once.
Then it is the turn of the senior women's team, as they take on Scotland, Spain and Portugal in their European Championship group. They also come into the tournament in fine form, having beaten the might of the USA recently. The women's Under-19s then complete the summer of action, with hopes again high due to their fantastic form coming into their European Championship finals.
