Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

World Cup 2018 LIVE: England vs Croatia semi-final latest news plus reaction to France’s victory over Belgium

All the latest World Cup news from day 28 in Russia

Michael Jones
Wednesday 11 July 2018 09:11 BST
Comments
Croatia England World Cup semi-final preview

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It’s day 28 in Russia and the second World Cup semi-final takes place as England take on Croatia.

For just the third time in their history, England compete for a place in the World Cup final with their past record an even 1-1. Gareth Southgate’s side have captured the imagination of fans back home, and the performances out in Russia have led to World Cup-fever sweeping across the nation for the last month. With just one more game between the Three Lions and the World Cup final, it’s judgement day.

But in their way stands Croatia, who themselves have never reached the final before and are looking to make history of their own. The winner of this clash will go on to face France in the final after they beat Belgium on Tuesday thanks to a Samuel Umtiti header, with the losers meeting Belgium in the third-place play-off that no one wants to compete in on Saturday.

Follow the latest news below...


Please allow a moment for the blog to load...

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's World Cup live blog, where we'll bring you all the latest reaction from France's narrow victory over Belgium last night and look ahead to tonight's mammoth semi-final encounter between England and Croatia.

Jack de Menezes11 July 2018 09:07

Today is the day! England play in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 later on and they face a tough opponent in Croatia.

But regardless of the outcome Gareth Southgate's team have already made history by restoring vigour and enthusiasm into our national side.

Here Miguel Delaney takes you through how Southgate has masterminded England's transformation.

Michael Jones11 July 2018 09:22

Someone who knows a little bit about the pressure of winning a World Cup for England, Sir Geoff Hurst, tweeted out his support for the boys in their semi-final tonight, he's juts one of many who'll be behind the team today!

Michael Jones11 July 2018 09:35

Taking a departure from England for the moment just in case you missed it, France defeated Belgium last night to book a place in the World Cup final.

Samuel Umtiti's header the difference between the sides, take a look at how he did it.

Michael Jones11 July 2018 09:50

England's ladies got to a World Cup semi-final in 2015, losing 2-1 to Japan in Canada, what words of wisdom has lioness Alex Scott got for the boys?

Michael Jones11 July 2018 09:58

Gary Lineker has been  updating us of viewing figures again. Over 15 million people watched France vs Belgium yesterday, expect slightly higher numbers for England's game tonight.

Michael Jones11 July 2018 10:05
Michael Jones11 July 2018 10:15

Some crazy news now as Gareth Southgate has become the fashion icon of the summer, his dapper style has caught the attention of the Museum of London who want to commemorate England's World Cup performance by acquiring his trademark waistcoat!

Michael Jones11 July 2018 10:26

Tonight 7pm, England's biggest game for 28 years, we're ready!

Michael Jones11 July 2018 10:39

Should we dare to dream, and *whisper* that England get to the final, they'll face a stubborn French side that has overcome every challenge put in front of them so far.

Their most recent challenge saw them give a highly effective defensive display against Belgium.

Here's 5 things we learned from the match.

Michael Jones11 July 2018 10:51

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in