England conceded a potentially disheartening 93rd minute equaliser but recovered to beat Colombia 4-3 on spot kicks in a bad tempered encounter played in Moscow, Russia.
Keeper Jordan Pickford saved Carlos Bacca’s penalty to help propel the Three Lions to a quarter final date with Sweden who edged Switzerland 1-0.
But if Gareth Southgate’s youthful charges are to emulate Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winners, they must develop a killer instinct.
England were very must the superior outfit throughout 90 minutes against Jose Peterman’s bedraggled Cafeteros; running faster, pressing better and tackling harder. But they found themselves level after Yerry Mina jumped highest to convert his third consecutive header.
The Three Lions took the lead when Harry Kane netted from the spot after he was fouled by Carlos Sanchez to take his tally to a tournament best six goals.
They then dominated the South Americans but found themselves level because they failed to make their superiority count.
In the afternoon kick off, Emil Forsberg’s deflected shot proved the difference between Sweden and Switzerland.
A place in the last eight is already the Scandinavians’ best World Cup performance since USA’94 when Martin Dahlin and Thomas Brolin goals helped them reach the semi-finals.
Janne Anderson’s side are an embodiment of efficiency. Just like they did in their final Group G match with Mexico which they won 3-0, Sweden once again made the most of limited possession.
In a barren first half, the Swiss had all the ball but Sweden created more mouth watering chances which were squandered by Marcus Berg and Albin Ekdal.
Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic might rue leaving established centre forward Haris Sefarovic on the bench, as his replacement Josip Drmic failed to break down a supremely structured Sweden back four commanded by skipper William Granqvist.
Sweden and England will scrap it out for a place in the last four on Saturday.
