We can be so proud of our team

IN his private moments before leaving for Russia, Gareth Southgate did not have high hopes for this World Cup.

The England coach told friends he thought we stood a much better chance in 2022 in Qatar. He knew he was fielding a young, inexperienced squad up against teams who had more international caps under their belts.

But he said there was one thing his players had going for them. All they ever wanted to do was go out there and play football.

Their heads had not been turned by the trappings of fame, and their minds were fixed on the beautiful game.

The lads have played football more beautifully than anyone could have dreamed of.

To beat the England curse of the penalty shootout would have been enough for them to return home as heroes.

To beat Sweden 2-0 in yesterday’s quarterfinals made them superheroes.

The squad some thought wouldn’t get out of their group will now go forward to the first semi-final with England in it since 1990.

It is a magnificent achievement, and gave a nation worn down by the angst of austerity and the boredom of Brexit a spring in its step.

Or as the BBC so soberly put it, Harry Maguire’s header “sent them batty in Birmingham” and Dele Alli’s goal “bonkers on Brighton beach”.

And the England team has done it with such good manners, courtesy and sportsmanship, they are a credit to their country and an example to the world.