After all the questions and pondering, it was Belgium who eventually ended up on top.
Beating England 1-0 in a subdued affair in Kaliningrad, Roberto Martinez's men finish as Group G winners, with Gareth Southgate's side coming in second.
For many, this was the preferred result, offering the Three Lions a softer route to the semi-finals.
So, what comes next for England?
Round of 16:
England now meet Colombia (10) in the first round of the knockout stages. The two teams face off in Moscow on Tuesday 3 July at 7.00pm.
Quarter-finals:
Should England win their first knockout game at a World Cup since 2002, the side will face either Sweden (17) or Switzerland (12) in the last eight.
Semi-finals:
Assuming England make it past the challenge of Colombia and then Sweden or Switzerland, the side will reach their first semi-final since Italia '90.
There, the Three Lions will come up against Spain (2), Russia (45), Croatia (8) or Denmark (15).
What if England had won Group G?
Round of 16: Japan (33)
Quarter-finals: Mexico (19) or Brazil (1)
Semi-finals: Uruguay (9), Portugal (5), France (3) or Argentina (11)
