England knocked out of International Cup through Croatia

By David Mercer, news reporter

England have been knocked out of the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Croatia in extra-time in the semi-final.

Kieran Trippier put the Three Lions ahead but goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic sealed Croatia's place in Sunday's final against France.

England took the lead in the 5th minute with a stunning free kick from Kieran Trippier after Dele Alli was brought down just outside the penalty box by Croatia's captain Luka Modric.

The Tottenham defender's curling shot - reminiscent of a David Beckham strike - flew into the top corner and sparked jubilant scenes among England fans.

The goal was followed by a series of chances for England as Croatia struggled with the pace of the Three Lions' attack.

Image: Kieran Trippier scored an early free-kick

Harry Kane hit the post with a rebounded shot at a tight angle after his first effort was saved by Croatia's goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

Minutes earlier Kane had been left one-on-one with Subasic but put his strike wide, although he had been flagged offside.

Jesse Lingard also went close after finding space at the edge of the box but his shot crept narrowly wide.

Croatia edged back into the game near the end of the first half and defender Dejan Lovren felt he should have had a penalty on the stroke of half time.

Image: Harry Kane had a series of chances

Lovren got in a tangle with Harry Maguire in England's box following a free-kick but the referee refused to give a spot-kick after consulting with VAR.

England continued to look strong at the start of the second half and Kane nearly got on the end of a terrific cross on the volley by Trippier.

Raheem Sterling, who was a constant threat throughout the game, had a decent shout for a penalty after he appeared to be tripped by Domagoj Vida.

Soon after Kyle Walker bravely blocked a shot by Ivan Perisic that looked to be flying into the net.

Croatia drew level in the 68th minute after forward Perisic fired in a shot following a deep cross from defender Sime Vrsaljko.

Image: Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates his second half goal

And they nearly took the lead four minutes later after sloppy England defending allowed Perisic to nip in before his shot hit the post.

After a period of pressure from Croatia, Lingard nearly put England back in the lead with a strike across the face of goal.

But Croatia continued to pose a threat and a half-volley from striker Mario Mandzukic forced a great save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Image: Mario Mandzukic scored in extra-time for Croatia

As the game entered extra-time, England came agonisingly close to taking the lead when John Stones' header from a corner was cleared off the line.

Pickford, outstanding throughout the tournament, produced another sensational save at close range from Mandzukic.

But the Juventus striker made no mistake in the second-half of extra time as he struck a low left-footed shot past Pickford.

More from World Cup 2018

• World Cup: Croatia 2-1 England in extra time

• World Cup 2018: How Royal Marines prepared England's stars for the big stage

• LIVE: World Cup 2018 - England team revealed for semi-final

• World Cup 2018: Pogba dedicates France semi-final win to Thai cave boys

• World Cup semi-final: France 1-0 Belgium

• Harry Maguire reacts after England fan gets tattoo of his face

Croatia will now play France in the World Cup final in Moscow on Sunday at 4pm UK time.

England will have to pick themselves up to face Belgium in the third place playoff on Saturday in Saint Petersburg.

Original Article

World

March 03, 2019