Declan Rice has revealed England's doubters drove the team on at Wembley against Germany.
The West Ham midfielder put in solid display after overcoming an early setback when he was booked.
But he and Kalvin Phillips ran the midfield for long periods and helped win the game.
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Rice went off with cramp but should be fit for the quarter-final in Rome.
Rice, speaking to BBC One said: "It's incredible, a lot of people had written us off in the group stage, complaints about the performances, not scoring enough but we want to put people wrong, with a full house everyone had the fire in the belly to one, knock Germany out and two progress in the tournament.
"It is history, all the players were asked about the past games but we created history.
"Gary Neville said these games don't come round often and it was a pleasure to be out there.
"Maturity comes in, you have had a yellow card and you have to stay composed and focused.
"Raheem Sterling is proving so many people wrong, scoring so many goals. Harry Kane is made for the big occasions, scored the goal that put the game to bed.
"We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves but it is a massive game in Rome on Saturday.
"For today, the occasion, the fans, the players that were up for it.
"The dressing room, I have not been a part of a team with this togetherness. We really believe, with the tournament being at Wembley."
