England qualified for the quarter-final of the World Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night with Gareth Southgate’s young side defeating Colombia in a penalty shoot out.
Despite travelling to Russia with a hugely inexperienced squad and fan expectation at an all time low, the Three Lions have performed admirably and finally given their long suffering support something to cheer about at a major tournament.
England had looked to have the game won heading into the final minutes after Harry Kane had put his side ahead, but a last minute header by Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina sent the game to extra time and eventually penalties.
Most Three Lions fans feared the worst when the game when to spot kick due their Country’s abysmal record in penalty shoot outs at World Cups, but Southgate’s young side held their nerve and won out in the end.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard after the game England centre-back Harry Maguire hailed his team’s attitude in securing a famous victory:
“We have shown against Colombia that we are hungry, we are fearless. The boys showed great character.
“There have been a lot of questions about us about how we are a young team and that we don’t have much experience.”
“There were some things going on out there that I have never seen before. It was a bit crazy at times,” he added.
“We conceded in the 93rd minute when we were fully in control and were really comfortable – the only way they were going to score was from a set play.
“It was a great ball, a great header and something we will have to look at and try and improve on. But to come back and still win the game is really promising.”
England will face Sweden on Saturday in the quarter-final.