Manchester United: England win penalty shootout for first time in World Cup history
By Ollie Slack
Last night England beat Colombia on penalties to make it through to the Quarterfinals of the World Cup. After the two sides couldn’t be separated in 120 minutes, the match was decided by penalty kicks. England won 4-3.
22 years after Gareth Southgate missed the penultimate penalty in the Euro 96′ semifinals against Germany, the England manager led his side to victory from spot-kicks.
England actually scored five penalties on the night. Harry Kane gave his country the lead from the spot to make it 1-0. That was Kane’s sixth goal from six shots on target this tournament, he now leads Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku in the race for the Golden Boot by two.
Agonisingly for England though, Colombia hit back. After Jordan Pickford made a tremendous save to deny Mateus Uribe, Barcelona centre-half Yerry Mina headed home from the resulting corner.
Into penalties, it went and the tension was at boiling point. England had never won a match on penalties at a World Cup. On three occasions, England has lost all three. This record stretches further than just World Cups. The Three Lions have only won one penalty shootout in major tournaments.
Goalkeepers historically have done poorly in shootouts too. In total England, keepers have only saved three of out of 36 penalties taken against them. But, yesterday Pickford made it four.
The shootout was level at 3-3 after four penalties each when the Everton keeper saved Carlos Bacca’s shot. Then to seal the victory, Eric Dier was the man with the responsibility. And he calmly side-footed the ball into the bottom left corner, sending England through to the World Cup Quarterfinal.
Marcus Rashford cooly tucked away his spot-kick but still didn’t start the match
Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young were brought back into the side after they were both rested against Belgium. Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones made way for Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker.
The United forward tried his best to link with surrounding players such as Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling but neither of them were at their best. The pair often struggled to find Lingard again for the return pass.
Young was a threat per usual, especially from his pinpoint set-piece delivery. The 33-year old’s legs gave way a bit towards the end but nothing serious ahead of the Quarterfinal.
Rashford entered the match during the second half of extra time. He came on for Kyle Walker and was asked to play an attacking midfield role alongside Jordan Henderson and Jesse Lingard.
There may have been a few doubts whether Rashford, at the age of 20, should step up and take a penalty in the shootout. But the United starlets was the most emphatic of the lot wrapping itself in the side netting.
Who next for England?
England now take on Sweden in the third Quarterfinal on Saturday afternoon (3 PM BST).
Rashford will be hoping to start the match and face off against Manchester United colleague Victor Lindelof. The Swede has had a very good tournament to date despite missing the first match through injury.
Jose Mourinho has said in the past how his players need a break during the off-season. However, he will be very happy with some of his player’s form at this World Cup. And hope they can continue that form when they return to the club for the tour of the US.