England’s hunt for a place in a World Cup Final has been delayed by another four years at least as an extra-time strike from Mario Mandzukic marked a famous day for Croatian football in Moscow.
Fans of the Three Lions across the globe are coming to terms with another semi-final exit from football’s most prestigious tournament. Gareth Southgate’s side, who acquitted themselves admirably throughout, ultimately failed in their quest to go one better than Sir Bobby Robson’s charges in 1990.
A small mercy, if there is any to be taken for England fans, is that they at least avoided the anxiety of another penalty shootout, something which can leave a mental scar over an entire generation.
The reaction online has been largely one of pride for England fans, though the heartbreak of going so close to making history seems like it may take more than a while to subside.