England head coach, Gareth Southgate has explained that his team got the reward they deserved after edging Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.
Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane scored from the spot in the 57th minute, before Barcelona defender, Yerry Mina levelled for the Blågult in injury time to take the game into extra time.
Colombian goalkeeper, David Ospina saved Jordan Henderson’s effort, but Jordan Pickford turned away Carlos Bacca’s attempt after Manuel Uribe hit the bar. It was Eric Dier who converted the decisive kick for England.
Southgate, however, said The Three Lions had to show incredible resilience to come back after conceiving a late goal in stoppage-time.
“We had a cruel blow on 90 minutes which we had to show incredible resilience to come back from,” Southgate said at a post-match conference.
“It was a night when I knew we were going to get over the line. We had the belief and the resilience to get over the line.”
“Tonight was a classic example. They don’t have to conform to what’s gone before.
“Today is a special moment for this team. Hopefully it will give belief to the generations of players that follow. In life you always have to believe what is possible and not be hindered by history or expectations.”
Southgate’s men will face Sweden in the quarter-final this weekend.
Comments