Harry Kane says England grew up as a team during their penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday.
Kane scored England’s goal from the spot in the 1-1 draw, before netting again in the shootout in Moscow as Gareth Southgate’s side progressed to the quarter-final in dramatic style.
It was England’s first World Cup shootout victory and only their second in a major tournament, and Tottenham striker Kane says the impact on the young side will be huge.
“We spoke a lot about being an inexperienced, long team, but we grew up a lot on that pitch tonight. It was mixed emotions, highs and lows, even in the penalty shoot-outs. The boys were fantastic.
“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 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.
The 24-year-old captain says the win will give the side huge belief going forward, and he could not hide his pride in the team.
“It will give us huge belief. There’s still a long way to go, but as a team we are as together as we can be. This will give the team more belief than ever, and the fans back home.
“So proud. So many emotions in that game. I thought we played well, controlled the game, and obviously we were so unlucky to concede last minute.
“We stood up and were tall, we were not going to let it impact us. It shows the togetherness and the character. We spoke a lot about it before, but these are the moments where you really see it. I’m so proud of everyone, the boys and the staff.”