England fans have declared the World Cup knockout curse over after the Three Lions’ dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia, with spontaneous celebrations and unfettered joy breaking out across the country.
Eric Dier slotted home the winning spot kick to confirm England’s place in the last eight of the tournament, sending the relatively few England fans in the stadium and nearby bars into raptures.
The national side’s first World Cup shootout win – at the fourth time of asking – along with a quarter-final draw against Sweden, had many supporters believing “football’s coming home”.
The #WorldCup has got the nation singing Atomic Kitten in the street. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE 🙌😅 🏴 #SouthgateUrtheOne #footballscominghomeagain 🎤 #ENGCOL @England @atomickitten pic.twitter.com/XTyoj0Ea7l
— Sam Darlaston (@samd_official) July 3, 2018
In London, traffic on Shoreditch High Street was brought to a standstill as jubilant groups of fans broke out into song, belting out the resurrected anthem Three Lions and dancing in the street, pints held aloft.
Congratulations poured in for the team from all quarters. Kensington Palace tweeted congratulations from the Duke of Cambridge, signing the tweet “W”.
The apparently personal message from the president of the Football Association said: “I couldn’t be prouder of england – a victory in a penalty shootout! You have well and truly earned your place in the final eight of the #worldcup and you should know the whole country is right behind you for Saturday! Come on England! W.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: “Football. There is nothing like it. Nothing.” And also the poignant message “So that’s what it feels like”.