Kieran Trippier’s goal for England against Croatia tonight has seen Gareth Southgate’s side equal a 52-year record in the World Cup.
The Tottenham right-back scored a beauty from a free-kick to make it England’s ninth set piece goal at the competition, making it the most in one tournament since 1966 – the year they won it.
MORE: Video: Kieran Trippier joins elite club with stunning goal for England vs Croatia
Harry Maguire notably headed home a set piece goal against Sweden in the quarter-final, and today’s strike by Trippier gives England hope of making the World Cup final, where they would meet France.
It’s clear Southgate’s side are a real threat in dead ball situations, but they’ve also generally dominated tonight as they’ve looked hugely impressive again against Croatia.
9 – England have scored nine goals from set pieces at the 2018 World Cup – the most by any team in a single World Cup tournament since 1966. Whip. #ENGCRO #ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YmiTkmROuC
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2018
Even if it does end up going to penalties, England won their first World Cup shoot-out against Colombia in the last 16, so shouldn’t fear that kind of dead ball situation either.
It remains 1-0 at the start of the second half at the time of writing, but cross your fingers for another free kick!