England 'panicked' says Iceland hero

Nice (France) (AFP) – Iceland hero Ragnar Sigurdsson said England’s over-confidence caused their humiliating 2-1 defeat to the Nordic minnows and they “panicked” in one of the most stunning football upsets.

“They thought this would be a walk in the park,” said Sigurdsson, who scored Iceland’s first goal.

“But we had faith in our ability,” he said.

Roy Hodgson’s side crashed out of Euro 2016 after the 30-year-old defender cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s fourth-minute opener.

“I think its the second or third goal scored with long throw, its one of our weapons that we use a lot, so no surprise there,” he said. 

Then Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s tame shot squirmed past England goalkeeper Joe Hart for an 18th-minute winner.

“We didn’t feel that they created any chances,” said Sigurdsson.

“Kane had an opportunity and headed straight at our goalkeeper. A lot that we were heading away, long shots from distance we were keeping clear. I wasn’t really stressed apart from the last minute,” he said.

The last minutes were “a bit difficult”.

“They started off very well with great power and got an early goal, but I think they were a little bit shocked by the equaliser and the 2-1 goal straight after, I think they panicked a little bit,” he said.

“I think (England) are obviously a good team and tried hard but as you know its not easy to score a goal against Iceland.”