World Cup: Harry Kane says England ‘grew up’ during win on penalties over Colombia

Harry Kane says England “grew up” as a team during their penalty shoot-out victory over Colombia in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday.

The England captain scored the team’s only goal – also a penalty – in the 1-1 draw, before scoring again in the shoot-out in Moscow as Gareth Southgate’s side progressed to the quarter-finals in dramatic style.

It was England’s first World Cup shoot-out victory and only their second in a major tournament, and the Tottenham striker says the impact on the young side will be huge.

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“We spoke a lot about being an inexperienced, young team, but we grew up a lot on that pitch tonight. It was mixed emotions, highs and lows, even in the penalty shootouts. The boys were fantastic,” he said.

“Penalty shootouts are a lot about mentality, and obviously we know England haven’t done great in the past, so it was nice to get that one off our back and it’ll give us huge belief going forward.”

Kane, 24, is still top scorer at the World Cup with six goals in his three games played so far, with England facing Sweden in the last eight on Saturday at 3pm in Samara.

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After the match, he summed up the feelings of many, posting on Twitter: “What. A. Feeling”.

Kieran Trippier, who scored England’s critical fourth penalty to level the shoot-out at 3-3, also tweeted: “What a special night! Love this team! Roll on Saturday.”

Dele Alli posted a picture of himself in full celebration mode, saying: “My face says it all, what a night!! We’re here to stay!!”

Kyle Walker was clearly thinking of home when he posted a picture of the post-match celebrations with the caption:
“Dad, can you show me that photo of you guys running after reaching the quarter final?
-Nah son.”

Marcus Rashford, who stepped up to take the second penalty, claimed to have been confident all along, tweeting: “Never in doubt bro.”

Despite England’s atrocious record in penalty shoot-outs, manager Gareth Southgate echoed the Manchester United striker, saying he always knew they would come through.

“It was a night where I knew we’d get over the line. We had the resilience and the belief to get over the line, whatever it takes,” he said.

“We had total belief in what we were doing, right through to the end. Even when our first penalty was saved, I’ve seen enough shootouts where the first penalty missed isn’t the key one.”

Southgate, who missed the deciding penalty in England’s Euro 96 semi-final defeat to Germany, said the victory proves the value of preparation.

“We’d studied all of their penalty takers – and great credit to the collective of staff and to him for taking on board that information and really preparing in the right way,” he said.

(c) Sky News 2018: World Cup: Harry Kane says England ‘grew up’ during win on penalties over Colombia