CAPTAIN FAN-TASTIC
Three Lions heroes thank supporters
JESSE Lingard phoned his mum from the pitch to tell her: “I’m not coming home.’’
The England midfielder borrowed the line from chart anthem Football’s Coming Home.
Jesse, 25, tweeted a picture, showing him with a bemused look on his face.
He wrote: “No mum, I’m not coming home. It’s...’’
Long after the end of the match the players returned to the pitch at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow where they kissed and hugged their wives, girlfriends and loved ones.
Skipper Harry Kane, who scored one penalty in the match which finished 1-1 and a second in the shootout victory, tweeted: “Get in there! Proud. Bottle. Character.’’
Kieran Trippier, who also scored from the spot, wrote: “What a special night. Love this team. Roll on Saturday.’’
Harry Maguire messaged: “Get in there! Great character shown from the lads. We do again.’’
Another successful penalty-taker Marcus Rashford tweeted simply: “Yesssssss!’’
England’s win was watched by 27.7million on ITV and the internet – more than the number who tuned in for Prince William and Kate’s 2011 wedding.
They now play Sweden in a quarter-final in the Russian city of Samara on Saturday for the chance to reach a World Cup semi-final for the first time in 28 years. Former England captain David Beckham hosted a viewing party in his cinema room.
He posted on Instagram: “What an amazing night for England.’’ Prince William, the president of the English Football Association, tweeted: “I couldn’t be prouder of @england – a victory in a penalty shootout!
Ex-England captain John Terry posted photos of a private viewing of the game he held on a giant screen in his back garden. While TV presenter Ross Kemp whipped off his top in a passionate celebration video. He said: “You will never know what that means to me. That is everything. Everything. We love you boys. We love you.’’
Fans joked they had been left “scared s***less” by the former EastEnders hardman, while others compared him to Thing from Fantastic Four.
Up to 5,000 England fans were last night heading to Russia for a chance to see the Three Lions play. Last night a bed in the Russian Hunting Complex hotel was £276-anight for the weekend. It usually costs just £54.
Secondary selling site Ticketcombo was yesterday flogging seats for the match for up to £406.