England given as a standing ovation as the are the World Cup dream ends

England’s World Cup dreams were shattered on the pitch in Moscow last night as Croatia won in extra time.

In what was to be a tense semi-final, England’s first in a World Cup for 28 years, Croatia managed to score the winning goal in extra time.

For supporters up and down the country, who had turned out in force to watch one of the biggest moments in the team’s histroy, it was a heartbreaking end to the 2018 World Cup.

Fans up and down the country were left devastated as the nation missed out on a place in the World Cup final.

Fans gather across the country

Millions tuned into the eagerly anticipated match, with sorrowful scenes up and down the country after days of singing “It’s coming home”.

Crowds gathered in London’s Hyde Park, Millennium Square in Leeds, Nottingham Castle, Birmingham’s Archway outdoor cinema – and even Los Angeles.

England came to a standstill as the 7pm kick-off approached, with roads deserted and shopping centres abandoned as fans dashed home to catch the historic game.

The 23-man England squad, one of the youngest in the tournament were carrying the hopes and expectations of a nation on their shoulders but at the final whistle it wasn’t to be.

Yet it all started so well with scenes of jubilation after five minutes when Kieran Trippier scored a free kick, giving his side a dream 1-0 lead.

The crowd in Hyde Park went berserk as England scored, and those watching on the huge screen were drenched in beer as plastic cups flew through the air amid wild celebration.

Disbelief

But there were stunned reactions as Croatia scored the equaliser through Ivan Perisic.

It would have been the nation’s first final since they won in 1966 but an extra time goal from Mario Mandzukic left dreams shattered.

Many fans had their heads in their hands, while others shook their heads in disbelief.

In Moscow Police estimated as many as 10,000 England fans made the journey to the Russian capital for the game.

In the stadium England’s fans rose as one to give the team a standing ovation in a show of appreciation for their best run at a major competition since Euro 96 – and a far cry from the humiliation of failing to get out of the group stage in Brazil four years ago.

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