So, the path is clear - Germany, Argentina, Spain and then Brazil if England are to achieve their dream of winning the World Cup.44 years of hurt could soon become 48 despite yesterday's 1-0 victory over Slovenia, ensuring progress to the last 16.
The countless missed opportunities against the Slovenians, combined with the USA's late winner against Algeria, denied England top spot in Group C, thus setting up a Second Round match with the Germans.
However, it is not just the prospect of facing the old enemy that should strike fear in every English supporter. This is the half of the draw that we wanted to avoid.
Nothing illustrates this better than the USA's prospective opponents en route to an improbable final. First up is Ghana. Should they progress they will play the winner of Uruguay - South Korea. Not easy but eminently more winnable than England's prospective opponents.
Careless finishing in yesterday's match from Gerrard and, in particular, Rooney denied England a greater winning margin and, with it, top spot in Group C.
The emotion of progressing further in the tournament was tempered with Germany's win against Ghana and the words of millions around the country could be heard: "Oh no, not the Germans".
Nevertheless, it is not all doom and gloom. If England perform to their potential, and that's a big IF, then they could dispense with Germany.
What we need more than anything else is belief. A commodity that Germany have in abundance. If we truly have the belief, and that seemed to be there in the match with Slovenia, we will have an excellent chance of knocking them out.
We need to play with plenty of aggression and ambition as I can guarentee one thing about Sunday's game - if it goes to penalties we're out!
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