World Cup 2018 LIVE: England vs Croatia semi-final latest news plus reaction to France’s victory over Belgium

All the latest World Cup news from day 28 in Russia

Croatia England World Cup semi-final preview

It’s day 28 in Russia and the second World Cup semi-final takes place as England take on Croatia.

For just the third time in their history, England compete for a place in the World Cup final with their past record an even 1-1. Gareth Southgate’s side have captured the imagination of fans back home, and the performances out in Russia have led to World Cup-fever sweeping across the nation for the last month. With just one more game between the Three Lions and the World Cup final, it’s judgement day.

But in their way stands Croatia, who themselves have never reached the final before and are looking to make history of their own. The winner of this clash will go on to face France in the final after they beat Belgium on Tuesday thanks to a Samuel Umtiti header, with the losers meeting Belgium in the third-place play-off that no one wants to compete in on Saturday.

Follow the latest news below...

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Key Points

• It's day 28 in Russia
• England vs Croatia kicks off at 19:00 BST
• France through to World Cup final after beating Belgium

[11 July 2018 09:07 · Jack de Menezes]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's World Cup live blog, where we'll bring you all the latest reaction from France's narrow victory over Belgium last night and look ahead to tonight's mammoth semi-final encounter between England and Croatia.

[11 July 2018 09:22 · Michael Jones]

Today is the day! England play in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 later on and they face a tough opponent in Croatia.

But regardless of the outcome Gareth Southgate's team have already made history by restoring vigour and enthusiasm into our national side.

Here Miguel Delaney takes you through how Southgate has masterminded England's transformation.

[11 July 2018 09:35 · Michael Jones]

Someone who knows a little bit about the pressure of winning a World Cup for England, Sir Geoff Hurst, tweeted out his support for the boys in their semi-final tonight, he's juts one of many who'll be behind the team today!

[11 July 2018 09:50 · Michael Jones]

Taking a departure from England for the moment just in case you missed it, France defeated Belgium last night to book a place in the World Cup final.

Samuel Umtiti's header the difference between the sides, take a look at how he did it.

[11 July 2018 09:58 · Michael Jones]

England's ladies got to a World Cup semi-final in 2015, losing 2-1 to Japan in Canada, what words of wisdom has lioness Alex Scott got for the boys?

[11 July 2018 10:05 · Michael Jones]

Gary Lineker has been  updating us of viewing figures again. Over 15 million people watched France vs Belgium yesterday, expect slightly higher numbers for England's game tonight.

[11 July 2018 10:15 · Michael Jones]

Jonathan Liew sums up the highs and lows of being an England fan brilliantly, take a look at why this World Cup has had such an impact on us.

[11 July 2018 10:26 · Michael Jones]

Some crazy news now as Gareth Southgate has become the fashion icon of the summer, his dapper style has caught the attention of the Museum of London who want to commemorate England's World Cup performance by acquiring his trademark waistcoat!

[11 July 2018 10:39 · Michael Jones]

Tonight 7pm, England's biggest game for 28 years, we're ready!

[11 July 2018 10:51 · Michael Jones]

Should we dare to dream, and *whisper* that England get to the final, they'll face a stubborn French side that has overcome every challenge put in front of them so far.

Their most recent challenge saw them give a highly effective defensive display against Belgium.

Here's 5 things we learned from the match.