Doubt
Would you believe it? For the first time ever, England won a World Cup penalty shoot-out.
Would you believe it? For the first time ever, England won a World Cup penalty shootout. England were the better side in the first half, and were deserving of the opening goal. In the last half hour, the Colombians were pushing England back, and they began to take control. It was tense and in the 93rd minute they finally got their goal. Utterly gutting.
And so into extra time. Having conceded such a late goal, it would not have been a surprise if a a demoralised England had folded, and the first half of extra time was difficult. The Colombians continued to push, but England held out. In the second half of ET, England began attacking again, creating chances, but were unable to score.
Penalties. I couldn't watch. I had been here too many times before and I thought we were on our way out. But then, a superb save by Jason Pickford gave England the chance they needed and when Eric Dier scored the winner, the whole country erupted. Having seen England lose on penalties so many times in the past, it was such an incredible result.
The most impressive aspect however was the strength of character shown by the players. This is an inexperienced squad, but they have a belief in themselves, in each other, and in Gareth Southgate they have manager who knows how to get the best out of his team. I am not convinced they have what it takes to win this World Cup, but the foundations have been laid.
And without a doubt they have restored pride in English football.
4th July 2018