
Share
3rd July 2021
10:37pm BST

"I've never been as confident about an England team as I have been as this team, at this tournament."England scored early, through Harry Kane, and they bossed most of the first half before a few shaky moments near the end. "Nervous with a small 'n'," we were told. 1-0 at the break and Lineker told viewers Gareth Southgate's men were 'confident, calm and in control'. The former England striker was purring about Jadon Sancho:
"It's quite clear to see, Manchester United have got something special."Ferdinand, meanwhile, was preaching CONCENTRATION. "All we have to do is concentrate for the next 45 minutes and we'll be through, boys," declared Ferdinand, as he envisioned himself being back in that England changing room. There was even a cameo from Alexander-Arnold, as he dialled in from Spain to confirm that, yes, football was heading home. Thankfully, there was some more football so we could get away from these lads for a while.
The second half saw England put the game to bed as Luke Shaw delivered goals on toasty plates for Kane and Harry Maguire. Jordan Hemderson ended his 67-game run for a first England goal and it was 4-0.
Back to Wembley for the semi-finals and a meeting with Denmark. "A team you'd fancy yourself against," Ferdinand declared.
Even the normally level-headed Alan Shearer was losing the run of himself:
"My head is telling me to calm down, but my heart is getting carried away."https://twitter.com/KT29_/status/1411436848115748865 As for Lineker, he was lapping up everything the England boys were saying. Henderson switched the focus to the Denmark semi-final and Lineker was practically gushing. "These young men are a credit to their country and their sport." As per usual with England, when they are playing good football at big tournaments, it is best to just appreciate what they do on the pitch and take these pundits in small doses. We will leave the final word on another dominant night for England with Ferdinand: "It's almost as if they're purring now, and waiting to put their foot to the floor... This is different, Gary. This is different."
Explore more on these topics: