So, it was too soon for England, after all.

Deep down, we all knew the metamorphosis from World Cup down-and-outs to lifting the game's greatest prize in 20 months was impossible.

Sven-Goran Eriksson may be a gifted coach with the knack of transforming teams' fortunes - but even he doesn't have in his repertoire the ability to perform alchemy.

That England made such a limp exit from the finals is a source of anger, but the players have no cause to reproach themselves after exceeding perhaps even their own dreams.

They must today dust themselves down, stand tall and vow to take on board the valuable lessons learnt on their Far East odyssey.

Victory in Euro 2004 in Portugal was always a more realistic target than this World Cup.

The 2006 finals in Germany, too, should see an England team in which the players are peaking together.

So rather than brooding over their World Cup demise, the players should be proud of their efforts and look forward to successful times in the years ahead.

Having pitted themselves against the best, England now know they're not quite good enough to regard themselves as footballing superpowers.

But the day when they can dine at the game's top table; when they have established themselves as a genuine world-class force, is fast approaching.

If Eriksson can build such a good side from the ashes of Kevin Keegan's wretched reign, why shouldn't he take the team that one extra step further?

Especially as he has at his disposal the finest collection of young players in the world.

What England's rivals would give for the power and vision of Steven Gerrard, the stealth and speed of Michael Owen, and the composure and presence of Rio Ferdinand.

It is unfortunate for David Seaman that he is unlikely to be around in two years' time to make amends for yesterday's howler.

For Teddy Sheringham and Martin Keown, too, the international road has probably reached a dead end. But the other 20 players in Eriksson's squad, plus the injured Gerrard and Gary Neville, all have plenty of petrol left in their England tanks.

Not to mention the likes of Alan Smith and Jermain Defoe, Jermaine Jenas and Michael Carrick, all of whom and many more besides are blossoming.

Who'd have thought we would be so depressed by losing to Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on that equally depressing day in October 2000, when a Germany win brought down the curtain on Wembley and Keegan's time as England coach?

Keegan was, in many ways, a victim of circumstance. Gerrard was rarely fit, Ashley Cole had not emerged as a player of genuine international class, and Alan Shearer's powers were on the wane.

But Eriksson has galvanised England. They now play with purpose and poise, although the second half yesterday showed meeting Brazil had come too soon for such an embryonic side.

Indeed, the biggest worry hanging over England now concerns Eriksson's commitment to the job.

Stories linking him to Lazio, and even Manchester United, refuse to go away. His contract will expire in 2006 but only the brave would bet on him still being in situ at Soho Square then.

But such concerns are for another day. Now is the time to reflect on a successful World Cup, at least given the hand that was dealt England when the draw was made, and look forward to a more prosperous future.

This tournament came too soon for England. But Euro 2004 won't