England legend Peter Shilton believes Three Lions are destined to win the World Cup in Russia
England’s record cap-holder says Gareth Southgate’s men have a great chance of ending 52 years of hurt
England legend Peter Shilton believes Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions are destined to end 52 years of hurt by lifting the World Cup in Russia, telling talkSPORT – “It’s our time”.
Captain Harry Kane will lead out England for their semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday night, where the winner will meet France in Sunday's final.
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It’s the first time the Three Lions have progressed to a World Cup semis for 28 years.
Shilton, who still holds the record for the most England appearances, was in goal when they last make the final-four at Italia 90 – where they famously lost to West Germany in a penalty shoot-out.
It was a defeat of such heartbreak that fans have had Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle’s missed spot kicks etched into their memories ever since.
But Shilton believes the time has come to banish those demons and go one further than Bobby Robson’s team, and perhaps add another star above the Three Lions badge.
Asked if he can see captain Kane lifting the trophy, just as Bobby Moore did in 1966, Shilton said: “I can actually!
“I just seems everything is pointed to it, like it’s going to be our time.
“Obviously it would be a let-down if not but, looking before the game, we’re capable of beating Croatia. I think France could be a difficult match, but finals can go either way - a decision, a mistake, anything.”
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The whole of England has been gripped by 'It's coming home' fever this summer and Shilton has been blown away by the level of support around the country.
The legendary goalkeeper admits he has also been surprised by boss Southgate and impressed by the team’s spirit in Russia, and believes that will be key when they take on Croatia in the semi-final.
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, Shilton said: “The support has been unbelievable. It’s really surreal for me.
“Being over there in 1990 and getting to the semis, we were told the country was getting excited but I didn’t realise just to what extent, and I’m experiencing it now being home.
“It’s fantastic. It’s united the country, everybody is really up for it.
“This is a massive game but I think the spirit within the camp will see them through, they seem to feed off each other.
“There are no egos, they have this team spirit and team mentality and that’s a great thing to have.
“Gareth Southgate has been a calming influence on them, he’s really surprised me.
“They’ll be calming each other and just getting out there and trying to do what the manager has told them.”