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 11:00 · Michael Jones]

Staying with France and Belgium, here's how the players rated in the first semi-final. 

[11 July 2018 11:16 · Michael Jones]

The last time England were in the semi-final of a World Cup, Croatia was a democratic republic under the control of Yugoslavia, a year later they gained independence and now they're creating waves on the world stage once again.

[11 July 2018 11:33 · Michael Jones]

Today has been christened Waistcoat Wednesday in honour of the main man Gareth Southgate, and all kinds of people are getting in the mood whilst at work.

[11 July 2018 11:43 · Michael Jones]

Justin Timberlake is doing a great thing for England fans tonight. He's showing the England vs Croatia semi-final on the big screens before his concert at the O2, what a guy!

We agree Justin, it is coming home!

[11 July 2018 11:59 · Michael Jones]

Croatia are likely to give England their most difficult match of the tournament so far, how can they tackle their opponents effectively?

Here's a look at some of the battles that will be key to an England victory.

[11 July 2018 12:08 · Michael Jones]

Fans have been arriving in Moscow ahead of the semi-finals, including this heroic Gareth Southgate lookalike...

[11 July 2018 12:20 · Michael Jones]

In his latest column for The Independent Frank de Boer breaks down what Croatia need to do to overcome an England side full of momentum, and yes it includes those two guys...

... Luka Modric and  Ivan Rakitic.

[11 July 2018 12:34 · Michael Jones]

England's quarter-final win over Sweden saw countless celebrations erupt all over the country, yet some people went too far damaging property and causing trouble in alcohol-related stupors.

Ahead of tonight's semi-final, police have warned against a repeat to this kind of behaviour and ask that people don't step 'over the line' with their partying.

Here's the details:

  

[11 July 2018 12:45 · Michael Jones]

England's talisman, captain and leading goalscorer Harry Kane could secure the Golden Boot today, he leads Romelu Lukaku by two goals and should he score against Croatia it could give him an unassailable lead going into the weekend games!

[11 July 2018 12:59 · Michael Jones]

Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann are also in the running for the leading goalscorer trophy, here are all the details