England opened their World Cup campaign with an emphatic 6-2 battering of Iran on Monday - five different scorers pitched in to help the Three Lions to a phenomenal first win in seven games.
Now comes the test of USA, who qualified for the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2014. The Stars and Stripes didn't exactly put on a show similar to their upcoming opponents, instead walking away with a fair point against a strong Welsh side.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate spoke to the media ahead of the huge tie that his side will encounter on Friday night.
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Up against the USA
A win for England on Friday would guarantee them a spot in the Round of 16, with a game still to spare.
Realistically, USA are in need of at least a point to rescue any chance of further progress in the competition.
"I think tomorrow's game will be very different to the first match. A team that press the ball really well, with respect, probably a level of player that has more experience of playing in European leagues, so in terms of tomorrow's game, it's not going to be a game in the pattern of the previous one."
Jude Belllingham and Bukayo Saka both chipped in with goals against Iran, on Monday, and with the pair aged 21 and under, the Three Lions' future sure is looking bright.
"In terms of this generation of players, this is a good period for English football, at junior level, senior level, our women's team, so lots of positive things going on we feel that we can be competitive for many years to come, and that's got to be the aim really, to have a sustained challenge in the latter stages of the big competitions. We haven't done that for years and years, so these players are putting our country on the map really. They're regaining our respectability on a world stage and we've got to keep doing that.
"Tomorrow, yes, if we win, we can qualify, but the first objective is to qualify from the group, and you have three matches to do that, and if it takes all three, then we've got to be ready for that.
"We would love to [qualify] on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.
"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised, well coached.
"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League and they showed in the first half against Wales the best side of themselves. Monday was a great start and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."
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Friendship with Gregg Berhalter
Southgate and USA coach Gregg Berhalter won't be unfamiliar with each other going into the Group A fixture, having developed a strong friendship in playing years.
Both managers spent time at Crystal Palace, albeit they weren't in the same squad. Claims have emerged in the lead-up to the game that Southgate hasn't answered any of Berhalter's recent Whatsapp messages, suggesting the friendship has been put on hold for the time being.
The England boss first had a question fired at him on whether it is possible to retain a friendship as rival coaches.
"No," Southgate joked. "You can of course, but everybody knows how it works in our game. You compete against each other, and then when it's finished, that's sport. You return to the friendship - it's the same with players when they play against each other.
I've enjoyed my interactions with Gregg over the last few years. I've learnt a lot from him, and it's been really interesting to see the team progress under his leadership, and they look a well-coached team, which was what I expected when I started."
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Making a stand
A highly controversial decision was made by FIFA prior to the start of the World Cup, with sporting sanctions possibly in play, where any team captains don the One Love armband.
England, Wales and other European nations had planned to wear the rainbow armband to promote diversity and inclusion during the World Cup, however this has seen FIFA launch its own armband initiative for the tournament without any rainbow armband, with same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships criminalized in Qatar.
Various nations have already made their stance on the issue, and the Three Lions boss spoke on the matter during his Thursday press conference.
"I don't think we should feel any pressure. We've spoken on these particular topics for over a year, and we've spoken and supported all manner of good causes, whether that's been individuals in our team or the collective.
"What are we to try to produce a better video than Australia did, that would be impossible - they did it brilliantly. Do we have to come up with a better gesture than Germany did? I think we've got to be comfortable that we know what we stand for; that's not to say we won't do anything moving forward, if the timings right.
"If we're rushing to be seen to be doing something, then we could make an error, which doesn't land well, and I think at this moment in time for the players and myself especially, we've got to be focusing on the games, so of course the FA take the responsibility seriously. We're never going to duck any questions, but the fact that we are still talking about these matters keeps them in the spotlight, and helps to raise awareness."
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Kane in contention
Big talking points surrounding the England squad in the lead-up to their second group game against the USA has been the fitness of Harry Kane.
The Three Lions' talisman suffered a slight knock-back following the opener against Iran, as his proneness to ankle injuries once again proved an irritation.
To lose their second-top goalscorer of all time for such a crucial fixture would be a huge hit to the England camp, though manager Southgate is confident the Spurs man will be able to start.
"Harry is good, came through training - no problems, so it'll be a brave decision to leave him out of the starting team.
"He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night.
"He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."