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As it happenedended

England vs Croatia as it happened: Alternative World Cup commentary from Mark Steel and Shappi Khorsandi

Follow every kick, slip, tackle and turn of England's semi-final match against Croatia in Moscow

Mark Steel,Shaparak Khorsandi
Wednesday 11 July 2018 16:40 EDT
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England fans sing after losing in World Cup semi-final to Croatia

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It is heartbreak for England. Football is not coming home.

The Three Lions' World Cup dream has come to an end after the side were beaten 2-1 after a nail-biting 30-minute extra-time.

Kieran Trippier's 5th-minute free-kick catapulted England into the lead and gave the squad the confidence they needed to reach the final.

But it all came crashing down after Ivan Perisic's equaliser took the game to extra-time where Mario Mandzukic's 109th-minute strike took them into the final.

Despite the blood, the sweat, the tears, England still have to face Belgium on Saturday to secure third place, while Croatia will stay in Moscow for the final against Les Bleus.

Stick with us people and follow all the live action below

Mark Steel: No matter how skilfully England pass it out from the back, most of me wants them to hoof it aimlessly right up the pitch like in proper football.

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:42

Gareth Southgate has been made an honorary figure of the Piccadilly line.

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:46

Shappi Khorsandi: Seeing England fans throw full pints up in the air in celebration of a goal is one of the most joyous sacrifices I'll ever see. 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:49

Mark Steel: Brilliant from England. But for anyone not used to watching football, prepare yourself. You're going through the wringer in 40 minutes or so. 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:51

Shappi Khorsandi: Enjoying half time drinks with my mate's dad 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:52

Mark Steel: The queue for the toilets is such that it's touch and go whether I'm in place for the second half. I'm not missing the start. So there's a social dilemma. 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 19:59

Shappi Khorsandi: You know that bit on a rollercoaster, just before it goes over the edge and you hurtle head first to the ground? When it teeters? That's how I'm gonna feel till the end. My heart! 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 20:00

Another look at Kieran Trippier's opener. What. A. Goal. 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 20:04

Mark Steel: I hope Southgate convinced them at half time that they're not England, they're New England, an entirely different country from the one whose team would have frozen with nerves about now. (I reckon he has). 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 20:09

Will Gore: So, the second-half has started and it seems to be 1-0. I cannot offer greater insights at this stage because I'm frankly unable to see the screen over other people's heads. 

jessica.morgan11 July 2018 20:10

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