SUPPORTERS packed into Somerset's Cooper Associates County Ground last night (Wednesday) as England played their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.
It all started so well for Gareth Southgate's men, as Kieran Trippier curled a free-kick into the top corner in the fifth minute to send the 1,500 fans on the outfield wild.
JUBILATION: England go 1-0 up early on
SCENES: Fans react as England take an early lead
England missed several chances to stretch their advantage and Croatia came back strongly after the break, equalising through Ivan Perisic midway through the second period.
NERVES: England were pegged back in the second half
Normal time came to an end with the game locked at 1-1 and, though England improved in the first half of extra time, Mario Mandzukic capitalised on some slack defending to bag the winner with 11 minutes to play.
GUTTED: England fans during the closing stages
The result left England fans with that familiar sinking feeling, though there was also an overwhelming sense of pride at the unexpected run to the last four and the way Southgate's side have united the nation over the past month.
Football may not be coming home but, unlike the last few tournament exits, this one comes with plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the years ahead.
Maybe next time...
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article