I really think we could be looking at the winners

1.Surviving acts of brutality from opponents who should be censured 2. Standing firm in extra time as Colombia went for the kill 3.Admirable discipline, control and VICTORY in the shootout

We should thank the gods for Harry Kane. What a leader he is.

England must find the strength to drag themselves, body and soul, through the draining pressure and tension of what remains of this World Cup.

If they can do it — and the country believes they can — it will add wings to our dream.

So, what isn’t possible, including going all the way to the Moscow final?

That will doubtless be dismissed as English arrogance, of being over the top, or so we keep being told.

and maybe it is an ultra- optimistic forecast but it is backed by the gamechanging experience gareth’s squad were forced to squeeze into their extraordinary match against South american opponents who should be censured by FIFa for their outrageous cynicism.

England’s young team, a group we accepted was full of quality, have now lived through a brutal confrontation that surely has taught them the advantage in smiling not retaliating. It will be a lesson well learned.

I was impressed in several ways. Impressed by the way we took the game to Colombia, impressed by the way we took the lead, impressed by the way we fought back when they equalised, impressed by the way we survived in extra time when Colombia went for the kill. and impressed at the control, discipline and resolve we showed in a penalty shootout we actually managed to win.

How does it feel, gareth? I noticed you took time to console Mateus Uribe, the Colombian who hit the bar with their fourth penalty of the shootout. It is a natural reaction of sympathy from a manager to any player, as I dealt with your miss all those years ago. Your compassion was fitting.

Unlike the Panama rout, the game was a mite too tense to be enjoyably relaxing.

Jordan Pickford produced some wondrous goalkeeping and then there was the heartstopping last kick from Eric dier.

By the end, Harry Kane had led our heroes — and that’s what they are — into this World Cup’s promised land.

Think only of Sweden now and Saturday afternoon. We will have to grind it out. These finals have developed a style all of their own — Rollerball football, ice hockey on grass, frenetic, remorseless, unremittingly demanding and brutal, bang-bang football.

It has been breathtaking to watch, difficult at times and dramatic.

England have so far coped and progressed, although I felt they looked to be physically struggling more than the Colombians during extra time.

all the nonsense about an easier group and rest days are over. I mean Colombia was really easy! In a world championship, any team in the competition can do for you.

THErE

is no rest now, only headsdown preparation and dour squad discipline for what is going to be a monumental quarter-final against a nation with an enviable record in the World Cup.

Sweden are physically strong, possess quality players and like us they will be thinking they can make it to the final and justify themselves with the help of Thor.

While we thank the gods who may decide these things, we should particularly thank them for Harry Kane.

I championed his suitability for the job of leading England pre-tournament and he has exceeded my hopes for him.

What a leader this young man is. It is an oft-used phrase but he does lead by example and is such a powerful influence. He is never ignored, always listened to.

It is clear his word is law in the camp as his standing worldwide increases with every game, every minute he plays.

He was abused by the Colombians and never lost it and never retaliated — unlike a couple of the team who recklessly did not follow his example.

Harry withstood the pressure of converting two penalties to add to his lead in the race for the golden Boot. and with a little more help from those around him, he may do it.

It is rarely the case that any team — other than perhaps Brazil, way back — play football that we would describe and extol as perfect. But the beautiful game can be enjoyed in many ways.

There are dramas on the field that overwhelm the senses and in their own way live in the memory.

I believe that is the category the Colombian head-to-head falls into. Could we have done better?

I would like to have seen Jamie Vardy come on earlier and — if he gets over his groin injury — he will be an extremely useful player to confront the Swedes with.

It was my pre-tournament contention that — despite concerns to the contrary — he would work well with Harry.

Harry has everything in his game under control. He can play from the back — he can join up. Vardy is so quick and sharp, feed him and he will damage any defence and win penalties.

For me a number of factors need refining. Kyle Walker nearly ‘sold the jerseys’ with that crazy moment when he lost concentration. Kyle, that must never be repeated.

raheem Sterling once again worked like heck for the team. raheem must consider that final shot. It is instinctive but take a breath, then go for it. Score soon, raheem, and they will flood in. dele alli. What a talent, but there are games when he seems to be seeking love and attention. ashley Young’s distribution could have been more precise, more thoughtful.

Tweaks, that’s all. Everyone gave everything. When you win you can live with the bruising and the scars. There is no point in complaining about others when your own men join in. Control is vital.

There is always the nasty villain. On the field it is bad enough but when a player is walking off as raheem was and is shoulderchecked by a member of the Colombian coaching staff, it is despicable.

The offender deserves to be named and shamed. let FIFa do that to an official whose attitude tells you a lot about the Colombian way of fair play.

The world governing body should also get a grip on Var — too sloppy, unpredictable and too often inactive when it should be hammering violent play we can all see.

These are the only annoying notes on an otherwise gripping finals that for England have been outstanding.