World Cup 2018 LIVE - France vs Croatia final build-up and latest news, England vs Belgium reaction as squads fly home

All the latest news and reaction after England exit the World Cup

World Cup final: All you need to know

It’s the final day at Russia 2018 as the World Cup final takes place between France and Croatia.

Five weeks of dramatic and breath-taking football culminates in the biggest sporting event in the world this afternoon, with 32 teams whittled down to just two. France will head into the Moscow final as heavy favourites, having eased past Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium to get here, while Croatia have done it the hard way by beating Denmark and Russia on penalties and England in extra-time.

We’ll also have all the latest from the England camp as they fly back from Russia following their joint-best performance at the World Cup in 52 years, although the campaign ended in disappointment as Gareth Southgate’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat in the third-place play-off against Belgium. However, Harry Kane looks set to become England’s first winner of the World Cup Golden Boot – providing one of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann don’t score a hat-trick in today’s final!

Follow all the latest news below...

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Key Points

• World Cup final between France and Croatia kicks off at 16:00 BST
• Frank de Boer column: I know what it's like to suffer World Cup final heartbreak
• Miguel Delaney: Why the World Cup final remains the biggest sporting event
• England bow out in disappointment with 2-0 defeat by Belgium

[15 July 2018 16:40 · Michael Jones]

France lead again!

VAR has had it's day, France have been awarded a penalty after a seriously long delay, Griezmann steps up to take it and he scores it very coolly.  

[15 July 2018 16:43 · Michael Jones]

Great fact! 

[15 July 2018 16:54 · Michael Jones]

2-1 to France at half time, Croatia have been the better side, France have had two lucky chances and they are in front, if a VAR penalty decides this World Cup it'll be a travesty!

[15 July 2018 17:03 · Michael Jones]

That's all from me for this World Cup, I know, I know it's very sad, but Molly Hudson will take you through the remaining half of the World Cup final and bring you all the reaction when the champions are finally decided! cough Croatia cough

Thanks for sticking with us over the last few weeks, we hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have.

Follow Molly right here and I'll hopefully see you soon!