England saw its best chance of ending several generations’ worth of World Cup pain slip away on Wednesday night, as Croatia fought back for a 2-1 win in extra time, securing a spot against France in Sunday’s final. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic apologizes to a photographer he fell over when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic apologizes to a photographer he fell over when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki ... more

England's Kyle Walker reacts after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kyle Walker reacts after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, ... more

England's Kieran Trippier is celebrated after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kieran Trippier is celebrated after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

England's Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July ... more

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, ... more

Domagoj Vida of Croatia celebrates with his son following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played just three games for England before the World Cup, but has played like a veteran to help his team reach the semifinals of a World Cup for the first time since 1990. Mario Mandzukic got the winner in injury time to put Croatia, with previously a tournament-best semifinal in 1998 to its name, one game away from winning it all. Croatia, meanwhile, have the creative genius of Luka Modric to fuel their campaign - but needed extra-time and penalties to dispose of host nation Russia in their quarter-final clash. England has been swept up in the emotion of their surprise charge to the final four, with the country's fans losing their collective minds after the quarter-final triumph over Sweden.
Croatia defeats England 2–1 after extra time, advancing to their first-ever World Cup final, which will be against France on July 15.