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
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Your support makes all the difference.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 the latest installment of Russell Brand's unique take on England's World Cup campaign:
Southgate assess his opposition
Gareth Southagate acknowledges that Croatia are England's toughest opponent so far and identifies the midfield as being where the game will be won or lost.
"They of course have a very strong midfield so, (it is about) denying them space and making sure awareness of distances and coverage of the pitch is correct and (knowing) the right moments to press. The higher the level of opponent, if you press in a disorganised fashion, then you will get picked through and we have got to be conscious of that," Southgate said.
"I think Raheem has been fundamental to the way that we have played, his movement, the positions he takes up, his pressing of the ball, his work-rate for the team, the winning of free kicks and corners, his speed to stretch teams.
"He was a constant threat to Sweden, of course he hasn't scored the goals he would have liked to have scored but for myself and the players he has been a crucial part of the way that we have been playing," he said.
Jordan Pickford
Can Jordan Pickford continue his amazing World Cup so far? From penalty saves to keeping England ahead against Sweden, Pickford has proved pivotal as England shocked the nation to reach the semi-final.
In by far England's toughest opponents yet, Croatia will undoubtedly endanger Pickford's goal, but can he remain calm under pressure and direct his inexperienced defence?
The man in the middle
This evening's referee Cuneyt Cakir is no stranger to big occasions, or controversy. His most famous moment in the spotlight was his decision to send of Nani in what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last Champions League game.
Whether Croatia or England face France in the World Cup final, neither will have an easy task. France frustrated the array of talents from Belgium and knocked them out, leaving a less than impressed Eden Hazard who said:
"I prefer to lose with this Belgium than win with that France."
Shots fired.
Sterling is 'incredible'
Raheem Sterling has attracted criticism from the depths of the internet for his poor finishing at the World Cup. Sterling's last international goal was in September 2015, but the Manchester City and England star has been really impressive with his movement and his support for his teammates.
“I think, first of all, the way Raheem has handled everything throughout this process, from when we met up until now, has been incredible,” said Eric Dier.
Do you believe in fate and fortune? Well how about a mystic pig? This Morning has a pig named Marcus that has a 100% record so far this competition for England games. Here's his prediction for tonight's game.
Exhaustion - the price of a berth in the final three?
Two consecutive games of 90 minutes, extra time and penalties. Croatia will, undoubtedly be tired. They'll have heavy legs, and with the prospect of Raheem Sterling running at them, will need to be wary of England's pace.
BUT, how can you put a price on success? They may be tired, carrying knocks and cramp but ultimately they overcame it all to find themselves in the last three. Penalties hold no fear for the Croatians, and a World Cup semi-final somehow means those tired bodies find an extra 10% when they need it.
As Gareth Southgate said earlier in the week, it will not be tiredness from Croatia that means England will win (if they do). But it may be part of a strategy that sees the Three Lions wear down the weary Croatians.
Painting the town red..and white. England fans ready for this one as we continue to count down until kick off at 7pm
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