England captain Harry Kane praised his team’s resilience after their thrilling 3-2 victory over co hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter finals.
The Three Lions survived an intense battle despite playing with 10 men for more than half an hour. Kane converted a crucial second half penalty before later conceding one at the opposite end, as England held on to set up a last eight clash with Norway.
Reflecting on the dramatic contest, Kane admitted the occasion had taken everything out of the squad.
“It was a crazy game. We had to fight and we had to find something. I’ve just been singing, I can’t really talk. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”
The England skipper also questioned the penalty awarded to Mexico after he was adjudged to have fouled his opponent inside the area.
“I thought I got to the ball first, it was one of those days. The ref gave a lot against us. In the end it didn’t matter so I’m happy.”
Harry Kane reserved special praise for the travelling England supporters, whose backing helped carry the team through one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
“Incredible, unbelievable support. [I’m] speechless.”
He also provided an update on Jordan Henderson after the veteran midfielder was carried away on a stretcher following the final whistle when he fell over the advertising hoardings while celebrating with supporters.
“Jordan [Henderson] just fell over there, I think he’s okay, just something to do with his arm.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer believes the performance could become a defining moment in the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign.
Speaking on BBC One, the Newcastle United legend said England had finally delivered the complete display many supporters had been waiting to see.
“We’ve been waiting for England. Before today’s game they had probably only had that one good half against Croatia. There were moments and pieces of brilliance from Kane and Bellingham, but the performance tonight was pretty much perfect.
There was so much talk of everything that they had to face tonight, the altitude and so on, and they have dealt with that. They have dealt with other knock backs too. This was a standout performance, a performance that can carry them forward and give them belief that they can go on and do something in this competition.”
England now turn their attention to a quarter final showdown with Norway, carrying renewed confidence after overcoming one of the toughest challenges of the tournament in one of football’s most iconic stadiums.
