I will say I don't think there will be much optimism going in to the World Cup. There seems to be an expectancy, based on what we have seen this tournament, that Brazil and Argentina should hurt us with there attacking football. Then there's going to be a reaction from the likes of Germany, Italy and France following this tournament. Not to mention it wouldn't be a surprise if Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier retire now meaning we've gone from five good right backs to chose from four years ago to just Trent that's very questionable defensively given Reece James is always injured and Aaron Wan-Bissaka never pushed on.
The biggest issue that will hold us back now, and i hate to say it, is Gareth Southgate. He needs to make some big calls around whether the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham are going to fit in to the best cohesive eleven and I don't see him doing it.