THEY JINX IT’S
LAST 16
FINALLY England’s wait is over. And with it, Gareth Southgate’s young side banished the ghosts of previous failures.
The glory they began to think they would never see again – England winning a penalty shootout.
Somehow they did it, they survived every emotion going and then up stepped Spurs’ Eric Dier to fire home England’s fifth penalty.
It was a torturous night in Moscow, not least for the Tartan Army tuning in back home, but it ended with England celebrating wildly after 120 painful minutes when they thought they had blown it – and then won it.
From the agony of conceding an injury-time equaliser, the nerves of penalties and then the relief of breaking the spot-kick curse.
COLOMBIA
JOHN CROSS REPORTS
1
England’s first knockout victory in 12 years has given Southgate an incredible path to glory, the chance of a lifetime at this World Cup.
Now they face Sweden in Samara on Saturday and, if they can get past that test, then take on Russia or Croatia in the semi-finals.
Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Kieran Trippier and then Dier were the heroes from the spot but England
ENGLAND
keeper Jordan Pickford also defied Carlos Bacca with a terrific save while Mateus Uribe missed.
Jordan Henderson’s spot-kick was saved by David Ospina but Pickford spared him.
No wonder Southgate, still looking elegant in his waistcoat, raced to his players to celebrate as, after all, England are not supposed to do this. Instead, now if they can win on penalties then anything’s possible.
A glorious night never to be forgotten as Colombia’s players were left in tears.
England’s players could not contain their joy and, defying their aching limbs, they made their way to the travelling army of Three Lions supporters.
They will have celebrated long into the night in Moscow because to emerge from such a test, such a bruising encounter in which the South Americans tried to kick them off the pitch, shows true mental strength.
From the disaster of losing to Iceland in Euro 2016 when they crumbled, they now have a determination and inner strength which will allow them to dream of glory in Russia.
It was an incredible game, one full of controversy and a US referee Mark Geiger who failed to control a spiky game which was more wrestling than football match.
The biggest flashpoint of the first half came in 40 minutes and Colombia should have had defender Wilmar Barrios sent off.
How the stopper escaped with a yellow card rather than a red is a mystery and yet another failing for VAR.
The referee was also simply not up to keeping control of what was rapidly becoming a bad blooded, nasty and snarling grappling match.
In fact, Geiger was stinking the place out.
But, finally, the American managed to spot something at a set piece. Mind you, it was right in front of him.
Over came an England corner, Carlos Sanchez blatantly upended Kane at the back post, pulled him down to the floor and the referee pointed straight to the spot.
Amid all of Colombia’s complaints