Thomas Tuchel issued a bold warning to England's World Cup rivals following his side's 2-0 triumph over Panama, which secured top spot in Group L.
"The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get," the England manager declared to ITV Sport, signalling his belief that the Three Lions will elevate their performances when the knockout rounds commence.
Tuchel acknowledged the contest proved demanding, describing it as "a hard piece of work" against physical opposition who rarely concede.
"The tournament starts again now in the knockouts," he stated. "We will step up."
England now prepare for the last 32 with renewed confidence.
Jude Bellingham proved the catalyst for England's victory, delivering a commanding display that unlocked Panama's stubborn resistance.
The midfielder found the breakthrough on 62 minutes, converting a clever finish after Bukayo Saka delivered a corner into the box.
His influence extended beyond goalscoring, however.
Just five minutes after opening the scoring, Bellingham turned provider with a precise cross that found Harry Kane unmarked.
The captain made no mistake, nodding home from close range to double England's advantage.
It was a performance befitting the occasion from Bellingham, who drove his team forward throughout a frustrating evening in which England struggled to find their rhythm.
Kane's header represented far more than simply extending England's lead.
The goal marked his 11th at World Cup finals, moving him one clear of Gary Lineker to become his country's all-time leading scorer in the competition.
It was a milestone befitting a player who has rewritten the record books throughout his international career.
The finish brought Kane's tally to 82 goals in 117 appearances for the Three Lions, a remarkable return that cements his position as England's greatest ever marksman.
For a captain who has shouldered immense expectation, the record serves as fitting recognition of his enduring excellence on the world stage.
England will now travel to Atlanta for their last-32 encounter, where either DR Congo or Senegal await as opponents, barring an unlikely sequence of results elsewhere.
The victory was not without cost, however.
Jarell Quansah, pressed into service at right-back following Reece James's injury, was himself forced from the field during the second half, compounding England's defensive concerns.
Yet there was cause for celebration as Jordan Henderson entered the fray as a substitute, becoming the first England player to feature at four separate World Cup tournaments.
Tuchel expressed no concern about the quick turnaround ahead.
"Three days, then the next match in four days. It's not a problem, we love that," he said.
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