World Cup semifinal: England media, fans react to World Cup exit

A look at how English media, fans and former players reacted to the nation's World Cup semifinal defeat to Croatia.

An England fans reacts after Croatia scored their side's second goal. Photo / AP

FANS

England fans have stayed behind at the Luzhniki and are singing Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gn3twWZGJP

— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) July 11, 2018

Incredible reception for @GarethSouthgate pic.twitter.com/CO6l6Ly6ij

— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) July 11, 2018

MEDIA
Mail Online

Headline - It's all over

Report: "England's players fell to their knees in tears at the final whistle while millions of people watching at home were also left weeping after coming so close to getting to the final.

"Manager Gareth Southgate immediately walked onto the pitch and comforted his players after the heart-breaking defeat."

The Telegraph
Headline - Total heartbreak as Mandzukic scores in extra-time to sink our brave Three Lions

The Sun
Headline - You did us proud – England out of the World Cup as late Croatia winner breaks nation's hearts
Report: "Sheer heartache for Gareth Southgate's men as the veteran Croatia forward puts them ahead after 90 minutes but the Three Lions run out of ideas and will play Belgium for third place on Saturday".

The Times
Headline: England dream ended by Croatia fightback
Report: "... band of brothers will not return home with winners' medals around their necks, but they will come back with their heads held high. They gave everything last night against a hard-nosed, classy (Croatia)."

Times writer Matt Dickinson: "As if the national Health Service is not under enough strain already, the England football team decided to put millions through trauma."

"... band of brothers will not return home with winners' medals around their necks, but they will come back with their heads held high. They gave everything last night against a hard-nosed, classy (Croatia)."

The Mirror
Headline - Four more years of hurt – Three Lions heartbreak as England lose to Croatia in extra time

TEAM REACTION

England boss Gareth Southgate to ITV: "First half we were really good and we had chances. We lost our way a bit after their goal. Possibly at that moment we were hanging on a bit rather than trying to control the game.

"We got the control back in extra time and showed composure. Knockout football is fine margins.

"When you have spells in a game against a quality side you have to make them count. We needed a second goal.

"I think we were looking at how we might stem the tide but there weren't clear changes we could make to change it. We just needed to show more composure. We stopped playing for a period of 20 minutes in the second half."

England captain Harry Kane: "It was a tough game, 50/50 game...I'm sure we'll look back at stuff we could have done better. It hurts a lot...it will hurt for a while.

"We had good chances at one to nil up. We got a bit deep at times. Hard to say (what went missing in second half). They played well and made it difficult for us.

"Great to get to this stage but we wanted to go on and win it. We felt we were good enough but we fell a bit short. It hurts.

"It shows how we can be up here, can get to semifinals. The next step is to go one further. Great foundation.

"We're proud of what we achieved but wanted more. We have to dust ourselves down and go again in a couple of years."

SOCIAL MEDIA

Utterly choked, but this young side gave absolutely everything. It’s a huge step forward and they’ll only get better in the future. They can hold their heads high, they did our country proud. Congratulations to Croatia.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2018

Gutted. Massive well done to all the lads who have done us all proud, keep your heads held high. This is a great young team with a big big future 👏👏👏

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 11, 2018

If anyone has anything negative to say about this @England team or individuals keep your tweets to yourself. Nobody would have thoughts they'd be where they are or achieved what they have and they've made everyone proud so get behind them and show love not hate #threelions ❤️

— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) July 11, 2018

I’m so proud of our Boys & to be honest, the whole country. I’ve been inspired by the spirit of our people all coming together during this time. It’s what makes me so proud to be British. Let’s hold on to that fighting spirit & stand tall & United. It will come home one day! 🙌🏾

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 11, 2018

To everyone who supported us.

To everyone who believed this time was different.

To everyone who wasn't afraid to dream.

To everyone who knows this is only the beginning.

Thank you. We hope we made you proud. #threelions pic.twitter.com/jH8lYMB2E0

— England (@England) July 11, 2018

Sad. Proud. Annoyed. Relieved. Disappointed. Unsurprised. Impressed. Vexed. Gutted. Elated. Deflated. Despondent. Encouraged. Defeated. Defiant. Broken. Resilient. Inspired. Silly. All those things #ENGvCRO 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇭🇷

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) July 11, 2018

MEMES

Its coming home...

Its coming hom..

Its coming ho..

Its comi..

Its co..

Its..

We are ..

We are goi..

We are going..

We are going home.#ENGvCRO

— Gm Baloch (@Gmbaloch1233) July 11, 2018

#ENGvCRO mood: pic.twitter.com/U51jSvaXUv

— Jase Cole 🏳️‍🌈🦄 (they/them) (@jasecolelab) July 11, 2018

No mom it's not coming home... I am#WorldCup2018 #ENGvCRO #WorldCupRussia2018 #WorldCup #ENGCRO pic.twitter.com/3FVkp01QDK

— Abdul Wahab (@RajaWahab10) July 11, 2018