This is not a drill. Gareth Southgate's England are in a World Cup semi-final after a convincing 2-0 victory over Sweden. The dreams of an end to the 52-year wait will grow larger, the ‘football is coming home memes’ will get bigger.
It was a resounding victory that never looked in doubt as Sweden limped out of the tournament. As the final whistle rang out BBC pair of Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand exclaimed in delight, while over on BBC Radio, it all proved too much for former English winger Chris Waddle.
It is unbelievable. I couldn't believe... it is quite emotional actually.
I think we all feel a bit like @chriswaddle93 does right now ??
Having waited since 1990 for a moment like this...sometimes there just aren't any words ?#bbcworldcup pic.twitter.com/ZtwyUHsqde
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) July 7, 2018
England's return to the last four is a sentimental one for Waddle. He played in 1990 when England faced West Germany in the World Cup semi-final, but missed the decisive penalty that ultimately saw them bow out.
They will have the chance to go one better next week, with Croatia or Russia coming up next.
