Future generations of England fans could be forgiven for assuming the nation's Euro 2016 campaign was not nearly so calamitous.
Those poring over UEFA's newly-released Technical Report into the tournament risk being dazzled by descriptions of England's "neat, high-tempo combinations", their "varied attacking options" and their "youthful, energetic team".
The team-by-team guide in the report also singles out Wayne Rooney, for "dropping deep to act as a catalyst for attacking play" and goalkeeper Joe Hart for his "accurate distribution".
Rooney's position behind the front two in France was consistently questioned while Hart's blunders against Wales and Iceland arguably contributed indirectly to his axe by Manchester City this summer.
England limped through the group stage of the tournament before suffering one of the most embarrassing defeats in their history against Iceland in the last 16, leading to Roy Hodgson's immediate departure.
The report's full analysis of England's 2016 performance included:
:: Possession-based game with patient passing through thirds
:: Strong, athletic centre-backs; aerial power in set plays at both ends
:: Emphasis on building from back; accurate distribution by keeper Hart
:: Good passing, reading of game by screening midfielder Dier
:: Constant overlaps, crosses by full-backs, notably Walker on right
:: Rooney dropping deep to act as catalyst for attacking play
:: Neat high-tempo combinations opening play to wide areas
:: Varied attacking options (Sterling, Sturridge, Lallana, Vardy and Rashford)
:: Youthful, committed, energetic team; technique in all departments
Source: PA
