Whereas the 'big boys' are on the brink of missing out on qualification to the Euro 2008 finals following their defeat in Russia, the youngsters, the Under-21s, have been up there with the best.
Their performances in the last two years have been second to none and since the English FA decided to appoint ex-Man. City boss Stuart Pearce as England's full-time U-21 coach, they have been preparing for games in a more professional way.
A sturdy defender for club and country, Pearce always showed great commitment and never shirked a tackle during his career.
His performances for England were those of a lionheart with a never-say-die spirit that is now rubbing off on his youngsters in the new England set-up.
This is a new U-21 squad since most of the players are no longer available, largely due to age restrictions, after the frustrating exit to Europe's Under-21 champions the Netherlands following yet another penalty shoot-out.
At present, Portugal look like the biggest threat to the England youngsters in the UEFA European U-21 Championship qualifiers but Pearce's side have a three-point lead over their rivals.
Much will depend on the outcome of their two direct encounters. The current group table reads:
England's results and fixtures
Away vs Montenegro 3-0
Away vs Bulgaria 2-0
Home vs Montenegro 1-0
Away vs Ireland 3-0
Home vs Bulgaria Nov. 16
Away vs Portugal Nov. 20
Home vs Ireland Feb. 5
Home vs Portugal Sept. 5
In their last outing, England saw off Ireland 3-0 in Cork to maintain their 100 per cent record in their quest to qualify for the European Under-21 Championship finals in Sweden in 2009.
England have won their fourth successive international and have not conceded a goal. They lead the group with a maximum 12 points.
There was special praise for West Ham's Mark Noble, regarded as the new Bobby Moore at Upton Park, after the match.
He returned from a one-match suspension to score the first two goals and turn in a great performance in midfield.
Pearce was overjoyed by his team's emphatic victory as he finally got one over the Republic of Ireland.
England's U-21 coach, having made 78 appearances for his country, failed to beat the Republic as a player.
In his hey-day at Nottingham Forest, Pearce played in the Whites' defence in three 1-1 draws against Ireland.
Hart new number one
England U-21 goalkeeper Joe Hart has now also taken the number one spot for Manchester City after being sidelined with a finger injury at the start of the season.
City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson called upon Hart as soon as he was back to full fitness.
Hart was one of Scott Carson's understudies but now that the Liverpool man is ineligible due to his age, Pearce saw Hart's potential (being City's top performer in the 0-6 defeat against Chelsea) and gave him the no.1 jersey.
Since coming into the England U-21 side, Hart has conceded only one goal in six games. Pearce had signed Hart from Shrewsbury when he was still at the helm at Manchester City.
Pearce stressed that the last England U-21 squad, is by no means a closed shop.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham); Joe Hart (Manchester City); Tom Heaton (Manchester United).
Defenders: Martin Cranie (QPR loan); Craig Gardner (Aston Villa); Billy Jones (Preston North End); Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City); Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough); Steven Taylor (Newcastle United); David Wheater (Middlesbrough).
Midfielders: Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham); Adam Johnson (Watford loan); Michael Johnson (Manchester City); Michael Kightly (Wolves); James Milner (Newcastle United); Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham); Mark Noble (West Ham); Andrew Surman (Southampton); Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa); Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn Rovers); Cameron Jerome (Birmingham); Luke Moore (Aston Villa).