Thomas Cromwell was active in English high politics during the 1530's to 1540's. I believe England was just beginning to become a European power at that time. Maybe you are thinking of Oliver Cromwell?
I think they are. Though while being a bit strong, they’re not entirely wrong.
Henry VIII’s England was a major world power, not as huge as it would become under his daughter Elizabeth, but in the list of world powers.
Italy… was not, tho it still held significant cultural sway. It was midway through the renaissance at that time. That is likely what the original poster was referring to (and is right, if a bit over enthusiastic).
The big guns were really Spain & France, and then England & the Netherlands challenging from behind.
It wouldn’t be until Elizabeth that the “British Empire” would really start to be a dominant power, and she laid the foundation for the expansion to come.
