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Manchester United stars crash out of World Cup after England lose to Croatia

By Ollie Slack

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Despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the semifinals last night, the England players can hold their heads high. None more so than the four Manchester United players who played their part in this World Cup.

England started off the match the much stronger side. A Kieran Trippier free-kick on five minutes gave the Three Lions a dream start.

England continued to dominate Croatia and could have been further in front. The inevitability of Zlatko Dalic’s men turning things around at the break was increasing the pressure on England grabbing a second as they wasted numerous opportunities.

And as expected after going in 1-0 at the break Croatia came out for the second half a different team. Suddenly with fresher legs, as if they’d clipped them on like spare parts, they were giving England no time on the ball.

The pattern of the game had switched completely. Croatia now the team pressing and creating waves of pressure with England the side having to fight against the tide with a deep block.
The pattern of the game had switched completely. Croatia now the team pressing and creating waves of pressure with England the side having to fight against the tide with a deep block. /

They couldn’t hold on for much longer and it was Ivan Perisic who netted the equaliser. Lifting his foot above Kyle Walker’s head to deflect a cross past Pickford.

Gareth Southgate’s men were trying to get higher up the pitch by pumping long balls to Harry Kane. But, Croatia had them trapped in. Weary and tired, if it had been a boxing match the ref would have been close to stopping the fight.

England held out taking the contest to extra-time

They managed to hold out until extra-time and surprisingly the 30 minute period seemed to follow suit of the previous 90. England dominated the first half and found another gear after looking down an out in normal time.

However, the second period saw Croatia rediscover their superiority. You felt whoever scored in extra-time would go on and win the contest. Simply because of the sheer mental and physical requirement to pull yourselves back into the game.

Unfortunately for England, it was Mario Mandzukic who ran in behind a fatigued John Stones to make it 2-1.

Summing up England’s tournament as a whole

Gareth Southgate, his staff and the players can leave Russia with their heads held high. Twenty-three young lads who were at first so detached from their supporters have made them fall in love once again.
Gareth Southgate, his staff and the players can leave Russia with their heads held high. Twenty-three young lads who were at first so detached from their supporters have made them fall in love once again. /

They may have something to show for it come Saturday afternoon, but most importantly now the future. These unlikely heroes have created a platform to go on and compete for the game’s most sought-after jewels.

But for now, England fans have memories to cling on too. Of a time when they nearly did it, when no one gave them a sniff. When football nearly came home.

Next: Paul Pogba's France will also be in the final, read how he guided his country there, now!

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