England’s list of memorable successes this century has to include their run to the 2007 Sudirman Cup semifinals.
The fact it was achieved at the expense of powerhouse Malaysia underlines the productive decade English badminton experienced in the noughties, which among others gifted the country a pair of European and world champions.
When the draw placed them in Group A, England were expected to provide stiff competition to contenders China and the more-fancied Malaysia.
Instead, they pipped the Southeast Asians to second spot, guaranteeing a direct entry into the semis, in which they put up some resistance before going down 3-2 to Indonesia.
Their claim to fame at the tournament came on June 11, when they upset the odds in their opening group tussle against Malaysia.
Newly crowned world champions – the mixed pairing of Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms – put their nation on the road to victory with a 21-10 21-13 win over Tan Wee Kiong/Woon Khe Wei.
A young Lee Chong Wei restored parity with a straightforward win of his own over Andrew Smith (21-10 21-10) and his wife-to-be Mew Choo Wong pushed Malaysia ahead after seeing off Tracey Hallam 21-14 21-18.
What followed could not have been predicted by even the most prolific of soothsayers.
Overwhelming favourites Kien Keat Koo and Tan Boon Heong, who only three months earlier had been crowned Malaysia’s first All England champions in men’s doubles in 25 years, went down in three intense games (21-18 16-21 16-21) to Anthony Clark/Robert Blair.
That result gave the returning Emms the impetus to combine with Donna Kellogg and heroically defeat Lyddia Cheah/Pei Tty Wong 22-20 18-21 23-21.
Despite losing their next game 5-0 to China, England whipped Thailand 4-1 to collect enough points to make the last four.
The ride will be remembered by those who orchestrated, executed and witnessed it, for the achievement in Glasgow remains their best showing at the prestigious tournament.