When England finally reached closer to the final stage, everyone though that Croatia had a little chance to hold the Three Lions, only to find out that it is the Queen’s army that eventually had to admit their misery. That’s how football works, like any other sports or betting on cricket online. There are risks everywhere you go and this time that risks went to England without a proper anticipation.

For England, this is their first World-Cup semi final since the last time they had in 1990, when they were beaten by West Germany. They had been looking for this moment for long time. Football was born in their land and there is no reason for them not to expect to reach final, unless this time they have to wait at least another 4 years for the chance to come.

Gareth Southgate embraced own misery to change England mindset

When the final whistle was blown, England’s players had to admit that they were not good enough at playing football. Gareth Southgate might even feel worse than them. As a manager, he might have chosen the best players he could have in his mind, but those are not good enough to hold back the black horse this year.

Yes, this time it didn’t take Germany to keep England far away from the title. It only took Croatia, this year’s black horse, to hold them off. Next, the black horse with all their jubilance and might will face France to decide who will return home with the prestigious title.

Harry Kane tried to keep his team’s dream intact, but even the golden player failed to rip Croatia’s net. His teammate, Jesse Lingard, also failed to score a goal after his shoot went too wide.

The two mistakes are crucial, not only because it increases England’s chance to lose the game, but also it increase confidence in their opponent’s side that there is no way the can’t win the game. They had already lost control of the game when they missed the chance and Croatia didn’t let the chance go away. With Luka Modric as the orchestrator, Croatia began to take control over England. After Perisic hit the post, Jordan Pickford moved quickly to save the shot from Mandzukic, before he scored a beautiful goal only a few minutes before the extra time ends.

Tags: Cricket, England, Football, Gareth Southgate, Sports, World Cup