Gilmore you are right. I am not a soccer fan. Many non fans take an interest in the World Cup.
David, I have noticed that many fans embrace the concept of "we" when talking of their club, even though they do not "take part."

As Mike said, England only got as far as it did because of an easy draw.
It was unable to beat teams from very small countries like Croatia and Belgium, and last time was knocked out by Iceland!

I would call that a humiliating defeat for a large country with a huge soccer industry, but as Mike said we fielded a young team who might fare better next time.