Gareth Southgate: England boss says ‘if I can’t enjoy this moment it’s a waste of time’ as his side reach semi-finals

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, speaking on BBC One: “I am looking at the team and in tournament football we are doing the right thing – we are moving in an upwards direction.

“Today wasn’t perfect but it was such an improvement. Then it was nerves of steel when it mattered. I had no doubt in my mind.”

Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: “England are getting incrementally better. There are so many questions this team have been asked.

“But imagine playing beautiful football and being beaten on penalties. It goes to nothing. There is character, resilience, a will to win and energy. These things can carry you a long way.

“You have got to be talking about them now to be in the final, perhaps, from what we have seen.”

Former England defender Micah Richards, speaking on BBC One: “We want to talk positively about England.

“We are on the front foot and everyone seems together – that is important.”

Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC One: “The emotions the England team will be going through – they’ll be ecstatic and so they should. They’ve put an incredible shift in.

“A big shout-out to the manager – his preparation was absolutely key. The players he brought on to take penalties, they were just perfect.

“We know how pressurised that situation is and they made it look so easy.”