Sky Sports News' Nick Collins insists England fans have reasons to be cheerful after chalking up another win in Estonia. Here he outlines the positives from a fourth straight victory for Roy Hodgson's men...
Monday 13 October 2014 13:29, UK
The figures are starting to look impressive: three consecutive qualifying wins, four victories in a row and now it's five clean sheets - a record stretching back to São Paulo when Luis Suarez broke English hearts at the World Cup.
So England have responded well to the huge disappointment of Brazil 2014 and- it looks to be a case of when, not if, they qualify for Euro 2016. Winning all 10 qualifiers is even being talked about. More realistically, going through a third consecutive campaign unbeaten is a real possibility.
The two wins over these last few days have been very different types of performances. At Wembley on Thursday against San Marino, England attacked with fluency and pace. 5-0 was the least they deserved.
In Tallinn on Sunday a scrappier, battling display against stubborn opposition, before finally triumphing 1-0 over Estonia.
Throughout both games the form of Jack Wilshere caught the eye. Sometimes playing at the base of the midfield, at other times a little further forward.
Wherever he played he looked to be the emerging heartbeat and fulcrum of this England side. His fitness levels look really good again and that is great news for club and country.
Captain Wayne Rooney edged two goals closer to England's all-time scoring record of 49. He is now on 43, but he knows he should have scored more, given the chances he had against both San Marino and Estonia. Against Slovenia next month he is due to win his 100th cap, and a couple more goals that night would do nicely.
Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can also be pleased with their contributions over the two games; likewise Calum Chambers in defence. And it was good to see Andros Townsend return, coming off the bench to score against San Marino.
Now the Raheem Sterling story. A subdued first half against San Marino saw his replaced at the break. Then he told Roy Hodgson ahead of the Estonia game he felt tired, so he was named amongst the substitutes.
He did come on and looked lively enough, winning the free-kick from which Rooney scored the winner. Perhaps recent weeks and months have taken their toll - he's been very much in the limelight as the new star of English football - so now it's vital both club and country ensure he doesn't burn out.
Overall England are in a good position, three points clear at the top of Group E. The confidence is starting to return and the fans have a team they can believe in again. Long may that continue.
