Reasons for optimism in the cold light of the day after the night before, part 1. There are 2 tournaments coming up, in 18 months and 3 years respectively. We'll win them both.
Goalkeeper - Pickford was outstanding, and at 27 he's just coming into his prime. Henderson (24) seems to be establishing himself as no.1 at a genuinely big club and has a very bright future. Sam Johnstone (28) is on the radar of a lot of clubs, as is Aaron Ramsdale (23).
Left back - Luke Shaw (26), outstanding (that word will get used a lot, sorry). Ben Chilwell (24) a more than able deputy and one of Chelsea's most consistent players.
Right back - both Walker (31) and Tripper (30) had admirable tournaments, especially Walker. Both could easily make the World Cup, although even if age catches up with them between Reece James (21) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (22) we're more than well set. James' versatility in playing occasional RCB for Chelsea offers much of the same tactical flexibility as Walker currently does. Plus there's great, young depth even beyond those 4.
Centre back - Stones (27) and Maguire (28) were immense and our first choice pair will continue to play big matches for big clubs throughout their prime years. While Mings (28) deputised well and Coady (28) is very highly regarded, not convinced either will genuinely push for a first 11 spot - the next generation of Ben White (23) and Joe Gomez (24) might though. Fikayo Tomori (23) worth a mention too.
Centre midfield - Rice (22) and Phillips (25) announced themselves as international class midfielders, showing that not playing for "the big 6" (7 if you correctly count Leicester) is no barrier to being an ace footballer. Henderson's injury forced the passing of the baton to the younger players - at 31 it's hardly like he's finished and might well stay in the squad (if not the team) for the world cup although probably not the euros beyond. Jude Bellingham (18) is a serious talent though and is already starring for Champion's League regulars, and as and when we need another in Henderson's place there's the excellent James Ward-Prowse (25) and another promising generation beyond (Maitland-Niles, 22, Oliver Skipp, 20 for example).
Attacking mids / wide forwards - if anyone can name me a better selection in world football to pick from than Sterling (26), Sancho (21), Rashford (23), Grealish (25), Mount (22), Foden (21), Saka (19), Greenwood (19), Maddison (22), Hudson-Odoi (20) then I'm all ears. Then there's the likes of Smith-Rowe (20) coming through at Arsenal, and it feels a bit early to be writing Dele Alli off. All that is without a recall for Jesse Lingard (29), perhaps time not on his side but he really was exceptional for West Ham.
Forwards: Harry Kane (27) the best there is or near enough. Calvert-Lewin (24) an able deputy and improving at a rate of knots. Not huge depth beyond that, but there's a distinct possibility either Rashford and/or Greenwood will end up playing through the centre.
Our manager is a giant of a man - dignified, considered, honest and with a keen sense of decency and integrity. Everything a leader should be. The players have bought wholesale into his methods, and with another 18 months of qualifiers and friendlies under his belt perhaps the handbrake will come off and see slightly more expansive football. Personal redemption can take decades (just ask Southgate) or it can come around a little quicker, like Stuart Pearce at Euro 96. Many of the current squad have made the step up from semi-finalists in Russia, and most (almost all?) will be in a position to make the step up again from oh-so-near to win in 2022 and 2024 - possibly with Rashford, Sancho &/or Saka completing their own redemption story along the way.
2022 - it's coming home