England “really believe” they can win the World Cup, unlike in 2018, says centre-back Harry Maguire.
Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago and face world champions France in the last eight on Qatar on Saturday.
Victory would see them then take on Portugal or Morocco for a place in a first World Cup final since 1966.
After reaching the Euro 2020 final, Maguire says there has been a positive shift in the team’s mindset.
“I think that’s the one thing I’d say that’s a lot different from the 2018 squad to this squad – I think we really believe that it is possible,” said the Manchester United captain.
“I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and I think a lot of the lads were happy.
You were happy to be part of the semi-final.
“I think now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament.
I think there are probably five or six teams with the same belief.
“But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of those teams that had that belief.
Maguire, 29, has started every England game at the World Cup so far despite struggling for game time and form this season at club level.
“You pick up bits and bobs and maybe my family read things more than me.
“I read little bits and bobs, but I’m 29 years old, the captain of Manchester United and have made 52 appearances for my country.
“Where I’m at at the moment, the next stage of my career I want to start winning trophies.
“It’s a 15-year career if you’re lucky really, there’s no way really, especially with all the scrutiny that’s on defenders these days, you’re not going to have dips.
