Joe Hart said England players and fans can justifiably smile after the Three Lions qualified for next year’s World Cup.
Captain Harry Kane scored an added-time winner against Slovenia to hand Gareth Southgate’s side the three points they needed to seal their place at Russia 2018.
Goalkeeper Hart said: “The guys were brilliant today. We wore them down.
“For Harry to [score] in the last minute after Kyle [Walker] had whipped it in for him is a big feeling, so we’re really happy.
“I don’t care about [the critics]. I’d have a big problem if I cared what people said apart from the guys in the dressing room.
“The team have always got my back and I have always got their back.
“Regardless of personal achievements, I think it’s really important that we smile tonight.
“England have qualified for a World Cup and that’s a big deal.”
In-form Spurs striker Kane added: “It was frustrating at times out there.
“We had to be patient. In the last 10 minutes they were getting tired and we created a few opportunities.
“I was just happy to put one in the back of the net at the end.
“It feels amazing to get [to the World Cup].
“It’s no easy feat nowadays. Other top countries around the world are struggling to qualify, so to qualify with one game to go, we’re all delighted – that’s job done for us.”
