Belgium and England reluctantly meet again

Croatia have gone to extra-time in all three of their knockout matches, triumphing on penalties against Denmark and hosts Russian Federation before edging past England 2-1 in the semi-final.

“We’re absolutely gutted but I think we have to take it on the chin”.

Southgate said: “It was not my decision but I agree with the decision”.

The party spilled out into the street after the game wrapped up, where some fans lit off red, white and blue smoke flares as they sang popular chants.

Players of the Three Lions of England have expressed sadness over their exit from the World Cup. Walker said that a sense of vindication was the biggest thing he would take away from Russian Federation.

However, one fan in Shoreditch, east London, was seen climbing a lamppost, while Avon and Somerset Constabulary said it had arrested a man for assaulting an officer and punching a police horse.

“But we do it for ourselves as well”.

In Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic they have the midfield engines of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, while the scorer of their victor against the Three Lions, Mario Mandzukic, won the Champions League with Bayern Munich and now plays for Juventus. Defeat to Belgium in the group stages gave England an “easier” route in the tournament.

“It’s been great to get to this stage but we wanted to keep going”.

Pickford, who said he wants to be selected in order to have a chance at winning the Golden Glove, is adamant that England still have every incentive to play as hard as they can for the win against Belgium.

“I was there in France, in the Iceland game, and it was completely different to that”.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Southgate said: “We have to decide who can go again physically”.

“I think now is the time for us to be strong as a group and take the time to reflect on the performance a little bit over the next couple of days”. We have this togetherness, this unique unity – not just in football.

“And they now see playing for England as enjoyment, fun and not feeling under siege”. So it’s hats off to us. Still, nothing was bringing them down.