England to play Croatia in World Cup semi-final as hosts Russia crash out

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England will face Croatia in the semi-final of the World Cup after their quarter-final win over Russia on Saturday.

The Three Lions booked their place in the last four, for just the third time in their history, with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli.

Croatia beat hosts Russia via penalty shootout. Domagoj Vida’s header looked to be sending Croatia through until Mario Fernandes replied with one of his own five minutes before the end of extra time.

Fedor Smolov saw Russia's first penalty saved and the hosts were unable to recover as Ivan Rakitic scored the decisive spot kick.

Croatia were last in a World Cup semi-final in 1998 where they lost 2-1 to hosts and eventual winners France in Paris.

England have not graced the semi-final stage since 1990, when a penalty shootout defeat, following Paul Gascoigne’s tears, put an end to the Three Lions’ best campaign since 1966.

Gareth Southgate’s side will meet Croatia on Wednesday night at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, looking to book a place back there for the final.

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