JUSTICE AS LIONS WIN DO-OR-DIER SHOOT-OUT PLAYER RATINGS:

Eric fires Three Lions heroes through to the quarter-finals in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against snarling cynical Colombians

FINALLY the wait is over. And with it, they banished the ghosts of previous failures.

The glory we began to think we would never see again – England winning a penalty shoot-out. And England winning a knock-out match at a World Cup. Somehow they did it, they survived every emotion going and then mercifully up stepped Eric Dier to fire home England’s fifth penalty. It was a torturous night in Moscow but it ended wonderfully with England’s heroes celebrating wildly after 120 painful minutes when they thought they had blown it – and then won it. From the heartbreak of conceding an injury-time equaliser, the nerves of penalties and then breaking the spotkick curse. England’s first knock-out win in 12 years has given Gareth Southgate 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, they take on Russia or Croatia in the semi-finals.

Yes, we are getting carried away but surely you are allowed to on the night that England won a penalty shoot-out, only their second in eight attempts.

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Kieran Trippier and then Dier were the heroes from the spot but England keeper Jordan Pickford (left) 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 the Three Lions can win on penalties – then anything is possible.

A glorious night never to be forgotten as Colombia’s players were left in tears, England’s could not contain their joy and, defying their aching limbs, they made their way to the travelling army of fans.

They will have celebrated long into the night in Moscow because to emerge from such a bruising encounter, in which Colombia 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.

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 after 40 minutes and Colombia should have had defender Wilmar Barrios sent off.

How he escaped with a yellow card rather than a red for headbutting Henderson 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 fight. And Geiger was stinking the place out as he lost control. But, finally, Geiger 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, it took an incredible three minutes and 31 seconds from the penalty being awarded to Kane actually taking it.

The Tottenham striker (right), facing Arsenal keeper Ospina, won the battle of North London wills, smashing the ball down the middle for his sixth goal of the tournament.

But England failed to seize the moment. They had chances on the break, Dele Alli headed over, Jesse Lingard went clear and yet England could not kill off the tie.

Kyle Walker’s mistake let Colombia in but Juan Cuadrado blazed over the crossbar. Then, heartbreakingly for England, they let it slip in the third minute of injury time. Colombia substitute Uribe’s long-range effort forced a brilliant save from Pickford. It went out for a corner and Yerry Mina jumped high and headed the ball downwards and it somehow went in despite Trippier being on the post and heading the ball onto the bar, it went in.

Colombia could not believe their luck and the incredible reprieve to force extra time. Suddenly, it was Colombia on the up. Southgate tried to revive his men with his team talk before extra time, but his words looked lost on them.

Extra time was just prolonging the agony. Players dropping like flies, feeling the pain of cramp.

It felt like England’s chance had gone but gloriously Southgate has masterminded a new, stronger team.

Now they have a wonderful chance to go even further.

PICKFORD

Helpless to stop Mina sending game into extra time, but made vital save in penalty shoot-out

Saves: 3 Catches: 0 Clearances : 15 WALKER

Caught in possession nine minutes from end, but Cuadrado let him off the hook

Accurate passes: 58 Total passes: 62 Pass accuracy: 93.5% STONES

Diligent and unflappable in defence. Played with intelligence and discipline

Accurate passes: 78 Total passes: 86 Pass accuracy: 90.7%

MAGUIRE

Comfortable taking ball from back and into the midfield. Beaten in air by Mina for his goal

Accurate passes: 70 Total passes: 84 Pass accuracy: 83.3% TRIPPIER

Fine delivery for Kane headed chance early on. Sent free-kick wide before break

Accurate passes: 27 Total passes: 40 Pass accuracy: 67.5% YOUNG

Too sloppy in possession at the start. Far better in second half and going forward

Accurate passes: 23 Total passes: 33 Pass accuracy: 69.7%

HENDERSON

On receiving end of headbutt from Barrios. Booked for similar, but less obvious, act

Accurate passes: 34 Total passes: 48 Pass accuracy: 70.8% LINGARD

Lively and full of purpose. Found pockets of space to exploit. Picked up a poor booking

Accurate passes: 40 Total passes: 44 Pass accuracy: 90.9% ALLI

Released Sterling early on, but was peripheral in the first half. Missed an angled header

Accurate passes: 33 Total passes: 42 Pass accuracy: 78.6%

STERLING

Shot charged down. Dangerous with movement, pace and his running off the ball

Accurate passes: 19 Total passes: 22 Pass accuracy: 86.4% KANE

Sent early header over. Won penalty and converted for his sixth goal of the tournament

Accurate passes: 26 Total passes: 42 Pass accuracy: 61.9%

SUBSTITUTES

Dier 6 (Alli 60mins) Vardy (Sterling 87mins) Rose (Young (102mins) Rashford (Walker 113mins)