Former England captain Terry Butcher is in no doubt Roy Hodgson's side will qualify for Euro 2016 in style - but warned there is "still a lot of work to be done" to mould a defensive unit capable of winning in France next summer.
England head to Slovenia for their final competitive match of the season on Saturday night, and are expected to maintain their impressive form, with five straight wins so far to dominate Group E.
However, former centre-half Butcher, who won 77 caps between 1980 and 1990, feels England must step things up to another level at the back once the tournament itself begins if they are not to prove "vulnerable" as they were at the last World Cup.
"England's record in qualification is very impressive, and I cannot see that changing at all as they look to get to the finals in France, then see what happens," Butcher told Press Association Sport.
"Roy Hodgson's squad is coming on well, and what I like is that when players are asked to come in, you can see they want to play for him and for England.
"They have won every game, so in that respect whatever Roy has been doing is working well, but let's be honest about it, England are in an easy group. England want to qualify in style and they are on course."
Butcher continued: "Defensively, though, there is still a lot of work to be done - and they still look vulnerable at times.
"It is always hard in internationals when you look at the central defensive pairing and want to see them in a game, then one of them cries off or gets injured, then you have to try something else and can stumble on things quite by accident.
"The full-backs are not too bad, there are a few who are vying for that position, but centrally, that is a crucial area.
"We all saw in the World Cup when balls are coming into the box from diagonals that England did not cope with them very well.
"To win a European Championships or do well at the World Cup, you need a strong defensive base, and all of the other countries have that."
Butcher, who is taking part in the Prostate Cancer UK London to Amsterdam bike race, feels the likes of Everton's under-21 international John Stones can go on to cement his place as the bedrock of the Three Lions' backline.
"Ultimately I think John Stones will end up playing there a lot, Phil Jones, if he is ever fit, maybe he could be in there. (Gary) Cahill is probably the number one candidate for the central role, (Phil) Jagielka maybe, it remains to be seen," added Butcher, who captained England in the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
"But someone has to grab the jersey and make sure they say, 'right I am England's centre-half and will stay here as long as I can'."
Butcher was one of more than 250 riders to set off from Leyton Orient on Friday morning and cycle to Harwich, before a ferry crossing to Holland ahead of Saturday's final leg of the 145-mile journey, with a fundraising target of £300,000.
"It is a marvellous thing to do, with more people doing this ride for a great cause and in a great spirit," said the 56-year-old former Ipswich defender, now manager at Newport.
"One in eight men will get prostate cancer, it is a horrible illness and by doing this we help promote the work done to fight it and everyone is together, we are men united."
:: Men United is Prostate Cancer UK's movement for everyone who believes that men are worth fighting for, to help us beat prostate cancer and keep friendships alive. This summer Men United has many fun ways for people to see their mates, from bike rides, sponsored walks, BBQs and quiz nights - all whilst doing something great for Prostate Cancer UK. Search Men United, or visit http://prostatecanceruk.org/menunited
Source: PA
