Stones shines in England’s shootout win

The tournament is getting tense now. Win or go home football has entered the World Cup and England relied on penalties to ensure they will meet Sweden on Saturday.

The game ended one apiece, a new confident England team advanced their way from the penalty spot and straight to Samara.

Three Manchester City players featured on the pitch, with one remaining on the bench. Raheem Sterling was Harry Kane’s partner up top, while John Stones and Kyle Walker were a double in England’s trio of centre-backs alongside Harry Maguire.

Sterling played well and was more recognised for the defensive effort and pressing energy rather than his attacking movement. Showed glimpses of his skill in stages but his role for England never looks as comfortable as when he steps out in his favourable position in the sky blue colours.

Another one not playing his regular position was Kyle Walker, who also looked uncomfortable in periods. Gave the ball away too often and made a mistake, which allowed Juan Cuadrado and Colombia’s best opportunity in ninety minutes.

Unfortunately, the former Spurs right back was substituted after appearing to suffer from cramp in extra time.

One player who impressed was John Stones. He looked solid at the heart of the defence and showed ice-cool composure as the team consistently played a passing game from the back. If it wasn’t for Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford heroics in-goal then he will be a candidate, alongside Harry Maguire, for the man of the match.

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Kane scored England’s goal in the second half after he was bundled over by former Aston Villa’s Carlos Sanchez from a corner.

The Tottenham striker kept his cool after the South American team done their best in trying to put the forward off his focus, with attempts to even destroy the penalty spot not enough.

It was all going well after that goal with England looking comfortable in possession and never looked like losing until Colombian’s desperation took over.

A clean strike from 30-35 yards was pushed past the post by Jordan Pickford. All England had to do was see out the resulting corner and the final three minutes, but up stepped Yerry Mina. His downward header beat Kieran Trippier on line to force extra time.

The next thirty minutes flew by with nervous moments but no further goals were scored and penalties it was. Fans across the country bit their nails, hung their heads and took a deep breath as the dreaded penalties were next.

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson missed for England. He was saved by Mateus Uribe hitting the woodwork and a superb save by the keeper from Carlos Bacca’s penalty, which ensured England progressed.

The penalty curse is over and England have now won a penalty shootout at the World Cup.

The It’s Coming Home fever will truly be felt if England’s City representatives help them advance past Sweden and into the semi-finals of the World Cup.