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As it happenedended

England out of the World Cup after extra-time defeat to Croatia - as it happened

Follow all the reaction from the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup

Molly Hudson
Wednesday 11 July 2018 23:13 BST
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England fans sing after losing in World Cup semi-final to Croatia

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England's World Cup dream has come to an end after the side were beaten 2-1 after extra-time by Croatia.

The Three Lions pulled ahead after just five minutes through Kieran Trippier's sublime free-kick and for the following 62 minutes it was England who looked set for a place in the final.

But Ivan Perisic levelled for Croatia to take the game to extra-time before Mario Mandzukic struck in the 109th minute to put Zlatko Dalic's men in front.

England pushed on but were ultimately unable to find an equaliser. They now face Belgium in Saturday's third-place decider while Croatia go through to the final where they meet France.

Here's how it happened:


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Here's our take on both sides performances, ratings of everyone here:

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:00

  ↵The three stages of England's downfall. Miguel Delaney sums up where it all went wrong after the perfect start for the Three Lions.

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:02

To add insult to injury Belgium await in a third place play-off. The only game in the World Cup that no team really wants to be involved in. With Kieran Trippier likely out with a groin injury, and plenty of fatigue to contend with, it's not a game anyone will be particularly looking forward to.

But of course we will have all the coverage on Saturday for a 3pm kick off.

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:04

We must not underestimate this achievement from Croatia. They may have done it the hard way, but plenty of people will be rooting for them against France in Sunday's final 

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:07

In my life, all I have known is an early England tournament exit and disappointment. It feels different tonight. The overwhelming feeling is pride. 

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:10

REPORT: England go halfway to the World Cup final but fall short against Croatia on emotional night in Moscow, by Jack Pitt-Brooke

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:12

Do we want to blame someone else for defeat? Well how about referee Cuneyt Cakir for Croatia's equaliser:

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:18

Prince William has his say on England's defeat 

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:22

Theresa May adds her praise to this England team. They've kept the nations spirits up as the political landscape fell apart back home 

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:25

Jonathan Liew on why football isn't coming home, but it doesn't necessarily matter

Molly Hudson11 July 2018 22:29

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