England show they’ve learnt lessons from Russia in resilient Croatia comeback

The players celebrated like they had ended 52 years of hurt.

England’s fans started dancing and singing along when Three Lions was belted out over the Wembley tannoy.

Yes, it’s time for us all to get hopelessly and wonderfully carried away again, feeling giddy with excitement after reaching the Nations League semi finals next summer.

England were not quite good enough to win the World Cup, they fell horribly short at Euro 2016 so now the Nations League will have to do.

But before any killjoys try to burst Gareth Southgate’s bubble, England have topped a Group which also included Spain and Croatia and that is no mean feat.

Even more impressive was the way they fell behind at Wembley, refused to buckle and came back to gain revenge over their World Cup semi final conquerors.

Suddenly, England fans are scrambling to book hotels in Porto next June and, for all the detractors and cynics, the Nations League has breathed some new life into international football.

This was a day to remember for England because they showed that they have learned lessons from last summer, they showed a resilience and mental strength which maybe they lacked on that horrible July night in Moscow.

And it was Harry Kane, with his first goal for England in 747 minutes, who yet again delivered on the big occasion.

Kane must be world class because few players can come up with such vital goals even when they have not been at their best.

Kane’s 85th minute winner was testament to the job that Southgate is doing for England as he is harnessing young players, building a team spirit and togetherness which seemingly guides them through the toughest challenges.

What England lack technically when compared to other leading nations, they make up for with determination and desire.

There are no egos or big stars, just a strong group who believe in their manager.

In previous years, they would have crumbled after going behind – especially after wasting so many chances – but this group just keeps going until the end.

Croatia, having beaten Spain last Thursday, looked tired in the first half and England absolutely bossed the game with Fabian Delph – of all people – running midfield with his energy and passing.

But England’s wastefulness in front of goal made you think it was going to be yet another one of those frustrating days.

And, let’s be honest, England have had more than their fair share during all those 52 years of hurt.

Raheem Sterling wasted a one-on-one when Croatia keeper Lovre Kalinic defied him with a good block while Kane miscued horribly from close range and also saw another effort cleared off the line by Tin Jedvaj.

Ross Barkley hit the side netting, Marcus Rashford nearly went through and, after all those chances and domination, you began to think history was repeating itself and it was going to be the missed opportunity of the World Cup semi final all over again.

Then the sense of deja vu grew even stronger when Croatia took a 57th minute lead.

England dithered and were indecisive in defence, Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric showed how to be clinical as he twisted, turned and then hit a shot which was deflected in off Eric Dier’s knee.

Suddenly, England looked disjointed, undone and sloppy.

But huge credit to Southgate who also showed he has learned from Russia.

Southgate changed it, regained momentum with his substitutions as first on came Dele Alli, then Jesse Lingard and Jadon Sancho.

It would have been easy to take off Kane who had become anonymous but history tells us that would be a mistake.

Lingard was also rewarded for his movement and energy with the 78th minute equaliser.

England, for all of their ideals about playing out from the back, won it with two set pieces.

The first saw Joe Gomez launch a long throw, Kane knocked the ball on towards goal and Lingard steamed in to get it over the line.

At the other end, Lingard cleared a shot off the line. But England were not done.

Ben Chilwell, staking another claim to be first choice left back, put over a free kick which flashed across the box and Kane was on hand to poke it home at the back post.

Wembley was alive, you wait 28 years for one semi final and then two come along in five months.

It was a day which proved the summer was no flash in the pan for England.

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