We've got pride in the England shirt, says Cook

And he firmly believes Gareth Southgate’s men can keep their run going and reach the semi-finals with a win over Sweden this weekend.

In fact, he thinks the biggest obstacle may well be to keep everyone’s feet on the ground - both over here and in Russia.

“I think it’s just a case with England of not getting too carried away,” Cook told the Wigan Post.

“We’ve gone there with such low expectations, and all of a sudden they’ve become really high!

“Gareth, the players and the staff have done a tremendous job, and we’ve got that pride in the jersey, which is great to see.

“It’s been an outstanding World Cup in every aspect, and I think more England fans will now be going over with us doing so well.”

Latics fans have been basking in the reflected glory of Harry Maguire, who spent half a season on loan at the DW Stadium during 2014/15.

On the opposite side, Sweden will again be captained by Andreas Granqvist, who played 14 times for Latics in the 2007/8 campaign.

The 33-year-old has said he will definitely be playing ‘whatever happens’ – despite his wife being due to give birth to their second child this week.