Breaking down England’s World Cup adventure in Russia

CROATIA – Semifinals, matchday 6
Final score: 1-2 AET

Southgate named an unchanged side from the last two rounds to face a Croatia team coming off the back of two consecutive penalty shootout wins to reach this stage.

As it was England came out of the blocks quickest, getting at the Croatian backline and pressing high up the pitch, which soon led to the opening goal.

Kieran Tripper capped a fine personal tournament by dispatching a 5th-minute free-kick past the flailing arms of Danijel Subasic, which gave his team the best possible start.

The three lions continued to fly forward thereafter but squandered two fantastic opportunities which could have put the game to bed before halftime. Kane saw an effort saved when put through one on one, before hitting the post from the second bite of the cherry and Jesse Lingard fired wide from the edge of the box as the half drew to a close.

Croatia made them pay, as the second half saw the momentum shift drastically in their favour. Modric and Rakitic began to dominate the midfield as England were pegged back in their own half and facing down wave after wave of Croatian attacks.

Ivan Perisic eventually found the breakthrough, getting in front of Kyle Walker in the box to flick home the equaliser after 68 minutes. Following the goal, England continued to be pushed back as they scraped their way through to full time.

30 extra minutes of time was needed to settle this contest but there only looked like being one winner. Croatia looked fresh and were relentlessly coming forward while Southgate’s lion’s continued to fade.

There was an air of inevitability about Croatia’s winner, which came after John Stones allowed Mario Mandzukic to steal in behind him and he expertly tucked away the chance on the half-volley to send his country into the final.

England had nothing left in the tank and the final whistle marked the end of their quest for glory in Russia.