England have claimed their first ever World Cup penalty shootout win against Colombia in Spartak Stadium, sending their fans through every emotion imaginable in the process - many of which have been on display on social media.
Eric Dier and Jordan Pickford were the heroes in a night of high drama in the Russian capital. Harry Kane gave England the lead midway through the second half from the penalty spot, in a game which referee Mark Geiger threatened to lose control of.
Colombia were shown six yellow cards in an undisciplined performance but their physicality appeared to unsettle Gareth Southgate’s men. This has been a World Cup filled with late goals and sure enough it happened again when Yerry Mina nodded in a 93rd-minute equalizer.
England had never won a World Cup penalty shootout, nor any penalty shootout of any kind for 22 years, so when the full-time whistle blew after extra time the England fans in the stadium, as well as an expectant nation watching back home, were braced for the familiar feeling of failure - particularly with Gareth Southgate, who missed the crucial penalty for England in the European Championships in 1996, was the one guiding the ship.
That wasn't the case this time though and, as practically all of Twitter is pointing out on Tuesday night, football might indeed be coming home.
That was a brexciting, brexhilarating, brextraordinary brexhibition of brexcellence and a brexample to us all
— Enthusiastic Eunuch (@ChiuauaTeardrop) July 3, 2018
It’s coming home!! 🏴🏴🏴 #engcol pic.twitter.com/1Qgedm7zOo
— Michael Houldsworth (@Mickykh) July 3, 2018
People forget football is a contact sport. There is such thing as strategic fouls. Colombia’s “antics” are no different than flopping & hoping to get a foul. If you’re going to complain, complain to the ref, he’s in charged of moderating this thing. VAMOS COLOMBIA!! 🇨🇴#worldcup
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) July 3, 2018
England must not get involved. Trippier v Falcao. Maguire v Cuadrado. The player who head butted Henderson should be off. This is England v Argentina 66. Alf Ramsey said many times before the game, DO NOT, DO NOTGET INVOLVED. #ENGCOL #WorldCup
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) July 3, 2018
Southgate dishing out the penalty advice pic.twitter.com/9IZYXTUfTw
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) July 3, 2018
I am glad that this time, England voted to remain.#EnglandvColombia #ENGvCOL #ENGCOL #ENG #COL
— Donnacha Kenny 🦖 (@TwoClawsMedia) July 3, 2018
Football. There is nothing like it. Nothing.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 3, 2018
I’m naked. I’m crying.I just vomited a bit of tea. England.#WorldCup #ENGCOL #ENG
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) July 3, 2018
It’s not just a game believe #COLENG #EnglandvColombia pic.twitter.com/dd9EdDppYl
— Ross Kemp (@RossKemp) July 3, 2018
Hello? Yes, it's football. Just on the way back to the house now.
— Oscar Willis (@oscarswillis) July 3, 2018