England have gone from desperate to incredible at World Cup, says Gary Neville

Former England star Gary Neville cannot hide his delight at his nation's incredible journey to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia. 

Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli saw the Three Lions past Sweden 2-0 in a comfortable last-eight victory on Saturday . 

That win put Gareth Southgate's men into the final four for the first time since 1990, with a clash against Russia or Croatia awaiting on Wednesday. 

And Neville saluted the team's assuredness while in a winning position, a trait he believes England have sorely lacked in recent campaigns. 

“Absolutely incredible, an amazing job. I have to say, over the last 25 years of watching England, when England are winning we drop deep and protect, when we’re losing we get desperate," he told ITV .

"This team, I have to say, in every single performance in this tournament, even against Tunisia at 1-1 – control, composure.

"Colombia, to be fair, was a perfect performance until 90 minutes, when they conceded a goal. Yes, they lost it a little bit in extra time, but they got [their composure and control] back and they were in control again.

"I can’t speak highly [enough], it’s the most mature, calmest England display that I’ve seen in a long, long time. I’ve not seen this level of composure from our team.

The ex-Manchester United right-back went on to praise unsung heroes John Stones and Jordan Henderson, who he believes keep the team together - not to mention the match-winning Jordan Pickford between the posts . 

"Playing out from the back, making sure they do the right things, not retreating. For me, you’ve got to give credit to Gareth [Southgate], you’ve got to give credit to John Stones at the centre of that back three, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, because they’re the spine of that team," he added.

"And obviously the goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford] as well. They really are doing a great job.”