Also I'm not entirely sure that all the racism and homophobia of the Croatian football establishment - and many of their fans - came out of war.

My fear is, if England does win the WC the press could treat the returning players as untouchables and as a consequence the referees will undoubtably follow suit. It’s difficult enough now watching Spurs getting a free ride with the media let alone if half their team come home with a winners medal

Personally I’m just gutted the team haven’t used the obvious opportunity presented when celebrating a goal so far..


Kane prods ball home ....

Sterling runs over to him to celebrate and cocks his leg in the air...

Kane grabs it and pretends to shoot it like a machine gun.

Would have been superb.

Imagine the thermo nuclear explosion of judgement from the nazis at the express and Mail. Fantastic stuff

Mate unless Emery performs a miracle I’m not sure it matters. We have a couple of seasons of rebuilding ahead and a few decisions here and there are hardly the issue. If they win it as far as I’m concerned they can pull down nelsons column and do one of Trippier instead

Having said that I love Croatia and you find some of the best and least nationalistic people there too who are cheering on their team for the normal reasons.

The problems lie more with its football establishment which never really escaped the stench of Mamic (currently on the run).

France shaded it but I thought Hazard was the best player on the pitch among several good performances on both sides including both keepers.

Belgium had a great shape ay first but France has too much quality. Giroud didnt finish well for the final ball. I still like him and he must credit Chelsea for giving him the opportunity to get a spot on the team.

Mbappe is scary. And to think if Lacazette and Martial fulfill their potential France has a bright attacking future.

I really like this English side and Im guilt ridden for even cheering for the scum players. However, as much as a France vs England final would be captivating, I still think Croatia will win and I go back to what I wrote about 2 prior matches, their wins over Nigeria and Argentina. Two sides they beat who did things much better than they did. Nigeria had more pace and a certain amount of power. Argentina had infinitely more technical ability. The Croats admirably coped with both. Other than 2, maybe 3 players they are a team of unknowns who are well drilled and disciplined.

I think England's dream ends here. If Im wrong I get to enjoy a much better final than I thought.

He had some good moments but he disappeared from the game for a large period in the second half.

If you include the entire Torreira fee even though it’s being paid in instalments then we have spent around 70 million. I can’t see us signing anymore players unless there is a major departure like Mustafi or Ramsey.

It seemed like every time Hazard got a touch 2 French players closed him down. At times he was dribbling through the French defense and had to be fouled to be stopped.

The Giroud foul shpuld have been a free kick and was wrongly waved off.

Ok whose on the sauce already?

Croatia for me too, now that Belgium are sadly departed. Modric really does deserve this accolade. I like Mandzukic too. He has the same cadaverous, laconic manner as Ivan Lendl.

I've got nothing against this England team, but they haven't set the pulse racing.

As for France, although Griezman would a worthy winner, I really don't want Pogba and especially Mbape to win it, good though they no doubt are. Giroud is also beginning to grate a just a bit.

.

Wow. He looked workmanlike to decent ... but crickey that must be more $ per inch than Ronaldo.

To all our English friends, here's a few minutes of Harry Kane's cousins (seriously) in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwxpjSenGE4

Anyways, hope ye go all the way now and trounce Belgium at the weekend.

The new Beckham!!!

Who’s

That was a fantastic free kick

I made a loud involuntary noise somewhere between “Goal” and “Aaaaahhhh” and I’ve been playing this cool all day.

And I was so convinced by Lovren’s righteous indignation!

Ref helping us cos he's doing his job. Shame he's Turkish but if he keeps this up I'd welcome him here as a prem ref.

Should be 2-0. Croatia offering nothing at the minute.

Ashley Young is not a defender. Just thought I share that.

Looks like we owe Bernard an apology.

That was a lucky brilliant defensive tackle from him there...

Daz has had a shandy then.

Lovren.

The Ramos apprentice.

Roy Keane. Annoying but talking sense.

Surprised at how nervous and poor Croatia has been. Although they seemed to have gotten progressively better bit by bit.

The occasion seens to bebig fir them while England seens to be soaking it up.

Don't count the Croats out though.

Is Kane playing? Is Lingard? Is Ali?

Walker is ..... the dumb f**&&^%% .

I do not understand why Ali still playing. Kane doing OK.

Definite foul.

What a goal. First decent delivery from the Croats.

Sterling is our only hope.

Wow!! Game on here

All over the place. We are going to lose.

LOL

Croatia has woken up

Lost heads at the back. Need to hang in for 10mins they may tire.