Gareth Southgate's men had all but beaten Colombia, only to throw it away and then conjure up a second victory on a long, draining night in Moscow.
If that wasn't remarkable enough, the fact they did on a penalty shoot-out is bordering on the downright bizarre.
Italia '90, France '98 and Germany in 2006 had all ended in recriminations and tears. But Russia 2018 had a happier ending.
In truth, it was no more than England deserved.