Soccer: Expectations of the English media to fly after departure in Russia

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA (Reuters) – The English media has welcomed the World Cup record with an euphoria just as intense as the rampaging venom following the Lions & # 39; s flop.

"We believe in miracles … you six things," said the Sun, paying tribute to a hot chocolate coup of the 1970s, on the front page of an image of players celebrating the 6-1 win over Panama, the a World Cup.

After scoring just one point and two goals in its disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign, England flies to Russia, already in the eighth-finals with two wins out of two, eight goals and the top scorer in the World Cup. tournament in Harry Kane.

This has transformed expectations.

Frank Lampard, former English midfielder and new Derby manager, one of the pillars of the "golden generation" of big names, said that Gareth Southgate's team could now lift the trophy.

"I do not see why we would be negative enough to start saying," Oh, I hope we get to the quarter-finals, "he told the BBC.

"It's not ahead of myself, just look at the talent in our team and in the team and how they play, and why should we write to each other?"

Other newspapers were filled with photos of the England team returning to their base rocking Kane's match ball and fans back home jumping for joy and sputtering beer. as and when goals.

"Russia is often accused of manipulating information, but it has really happened," said Paul Hayward, sports editor of the Daily Telegraph, in tribute to this year's political tensions between Russia and the West. , including the United Kingdom.

"Here, in a city where the Soviet Union exiled dissidents, England escaped a suffocating past.That was only Panama, a team of boxing wrestlers who were extraordinarily bad, but still … "

In the midst of the joy, some English fans have warned against too much hold after victories over Panama – ranked 55th in the world – and modest Tunisia in the opening match.

The Sterner tests will undoubtedly come, especially against Belgium in the last group match of England on Thursday, but for the most part, it was time to enjoy the moment.

"Sorry to disappoint those who advise caution but I am too happy to be carried away," wrote former England striker and current Stoke City striker, Peter Crouch, in a column for the Daily. Mail.

"It's been too long since we had a national team that made us leave our seats and allowed us to catch up with them. This one gives us all the good signs. Let's not keep a lid on these feelings. "