Friday's win over Peru at Wembley was a perfect way to punctuate the first part of England's World Cup build-up.
The players spent the best part of two focused weeks together in Portugal and at St. George's Park before Daniel Sturridge, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka put the seal on the send-off victory under the Arch.
So there was a good feeling around the team hotel when everyone gathered again on Sunday morning after a day with their families, or watching Carl Froch beat George Groves.
England players head for their team photo
The residents of the hotel who gathered to wish the team well as they posed for their official team photo were in terrific spirits and everyone really appreciates the positive support they receive from the England fans.
On every leg of the journey the team was greeted with similar affection.
There was a final team picture on the steps of the plane as Roy Hodgson spoke to the television cameras on the apron prior to the nine-hour flight Miami.
It felt surprisingly quick as people watched various films and shows on a host of devices, read books, wandered around to chat and even filmed their own videos inside the plane to keep an account of what will be an experience we will remember forever.
As a lifetime football fan and grassroots player and coach, being part of this World Cup is a dream for me, but I can still only imagine how excited Steven Gerrard and company are feeling ahead of this most fantastic of journeys.
Players are always asked about their World Cup memories, and the older players may talk about 1990, while Luke Shaw recalled the events of four years ago in a press conference in Portugal.
For me, Mexico '86 was the first World Cup I can really remember, collecting stickers and watching as Gary Lineker became a hero for me. I have vivid memories of Peter Shilton in action, too while you can't mention that World Cup without talking about Diego Maradona. He obviously made it an upsetting end, but what a player.
The team arrives in Miami on Sunday night
I was there when Michael Owen scored that goal against Argentina, and the one against Brazil four years later. Joe Cole's strike in 2006 was another highlight, watching from behind the goal as it sailed past Andreas Isaksson, while I'd prefer to forget the game in Gelsenkirchen against Portugal eleven days later.
That's what World Cups are about, making heroes of players, not just in the short-term but forever. The World Cup is a huge deal, it's the greatest show on earth and England are there with a chance to make their own piece of history.
We landed in Fort Lauderdale at 7pm local time - we're five hours behind BST - and within an hour had arrived at the team hotel in Miami. Once again, fans were gathered to welcome the players, lots of local and travelling supporters keen to get a glimpse of the Three Lions' stars.
After a bite to eat, everyone headed to bed at the end of a long day.
Monday morning was the first opportunity to train. A light session was on the cards but a downpour meant that the outfield players stayed inside to do what they needed, though the keepers still ventured out. I've seen many keeper sessions down the years and they love a wet pitch for some reason.
Ben Foster speaks to the press at the Four Seasons
The main activity for us from a media point of view was the press activity at the nearby Four Seasons hotel. My colleagues Mark Whittle (Head of Media Relations) and Stuart Mawhinney (Senior Communications Officer) and I drove over to the Four Season with Ben Foster and James Milner who were the two players speaking to the press,
Both spoke very well across the three media briefings. James talked about the professionalism in the squad and how focused they are on the World Cup. He also doesn't mind the weather here: "it's just like Manchester," he said.
Meanwhile Ben was really excited about the opportunity to play in Brazil and also spoke about how his former West Brom boss, Roy Hodgson, is extremely personable and a terrific manager.
It's a similar feeling across the camp, not only players but staff. Everyone is really excited by what lies ahead and the spirit couldn't be any better.
From a personal point of view, I'm looking forward to tomorrow and a visit to the Sunlife Stadium where the team will train ahead of Wednesday's game against Ecuador.
The World Cup really starts here.
FA Editor Jamie Bradbury is with the England team for the World Cup and will be bringing us regular updates here and via Twitter @England and @jamiebradbury
