England fans heartbroken after dramatic defeat by Croatia in World Cup semi-final

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Tom Powell11 July 2018

England fans have been left heartbroken after Croatia denied them a first World Cup final since 1966.

Devastated supporters were pictured crying and consoling each other after the Three Lions lost the semi-final 2-1 after extra-time in Moscow .

There were sobering scenes across the country as hundreds of thousands of supporters poured out of pubs and homes in silence, contrasting the jubilant atmosphere before the match.

Gareth Southgate's players looked distraught on the pitch after throwing away a 1-0 lead to crash out of the World Cup in cruel fashion.

Fans console each other at a screening in Hyde Park
Getty Images

Millions tuned into the eagerly anticipated match, with sorrowful scenes up and down the country after days of singing "It's coming home".

Crowds gathered in London's Hyde Park, Millennium Square in Leeds, Nottingham Castle, Birmingham's Archway outdoor cinema - and even Los Angeles.

Millions of fans watched the match across England and all over the world
Getty Images

England came to a standstill as the 7pm kick-off approached, with roads deserted and shopping centres abandoned as fans dashed home to catch the historic game.

The 23-man England squad, which has an average age of just over 26 and was the tournament's third youngest, had the hopes and expectations of a nation on their shoulders.

But place in the World Cup final against France was not to be.

Fans were beginning to believe they could actually win the World Cup
PA

Within the first five minutes, English fans were given cause for celebration when Kieran Trippier scored a free kick, giving his side a dream 1-0 lead.

The crowd in Hyde Park went berserk as England scored, and those watching on the huge screen were drenched in beer as plastic cups flew through the air amid wild celebrations.

England reached the World Cup semi-final for the first time in 28 years
PA

Some fans had tears in their eyes as they could not believe the dream start.

In Leeds, the crowd leapt up as if a goal had been scored when the half-time whistle blew.

But there were stunned reactions as Croatia scored the equaliser through Ivan Perisic.

Fans at Hyde Park were distraught
PA

It would have been the nation's first final since they won in 1966 but an extra time goal from Mario Mandzukic left dreams shattered.

Many fans had their heads in their hands, while others shook their heads in disbelief.

England fans were left devastated
PA

Police estimated as many as 10,000 England fans were in the Russian capital for the game.

The Three Lions' failure to reach their first World Cup final in 52 years was greeted with desolation in the stadium in Moscow.

England's largest travelling support of the tournament so far, estimated before the game to be up to 10,000, were in full voice throughout, urging their young Lions on.

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