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...
Live Updates
12:08
Fans have been arriving in Moscow ahead of the semi-finals, including this heroic Gareth Southgate lookalike...
11:59
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.
England vs Croatia: Where the World Cup semi-final will be won and lost
The IndependentEngland face Croatia for a place in the 2018 World Cup final on Wednesday evening
11:43
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!
11:33
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.
11:16
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.
Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren and the dark side of Croatian football
The IndependentWhen it comes to Croatia, politics and football always go hand in hand. And as you would imagine, that isn’t necessarily a good thing
11:00
Staying with France and Belgium, here's how the players rated in the first semi-final.
RATINGS: Every player marked out of 10 from France vs Belgium
The IndependentA player-by-player look at the two teams
10:51
Should we dare to dream, and *whisper* that England get to the final, they'll face a stubborn French side that has overcome every challenge put in front of them so far.
Their most recent challenge saw them give a highly effective defensive display against Belgium.
Here's 5 things we learned from the match.
Five things we learned from France vs Belgium
The IndependentStep into the light, Kylian Mbappe. He didn’t score here and yet the fact he was still the best player on the night showed just how good he has become
10:39
Tonight 7pm, England's biggest game for 28 years, we're ready!
10:26
Some crazy news now as Gareth Southgate has become the fashion icon of the summer, his dapper style has caught the attention of the Museum of London who want to commemorate England's World Cup performance by acquiring his trademark waistcoat!
Gareth Southgate’s England waistcoat wanted by Museum of London
The IndependentSouthgate's waistcoat has become the must-wear fashion item of the summer
10:15
Jonathan Liew sums up the highs and lows of being an England fan brilliantly, take a look at why this World Cup has had such an impact on us.
Why every England fan must treasure this World Cup semi-final
The IndependentEven if England reach another semi-final, a final, more finals, win things, it won’t be like this ever again - truly, these are golden times for them, for you, for all of us
10:05
Gary Lineker has been updating us of viewing figures again. Over 15 million people watched France vs Belgium yesterday, expect slightly higher numbers for England's game tonight.
09:58
England's ladies got to a World Cup semi-final in 2015, losing 2-1 to Japan in Canada, what words of wisdom has lioness Alex Scott got for the boys?
09:50
Taking a departure from England for the moment just in case you missed it, France defeated Belgium last night to book a place in the World Cup final.
Samuel Umtiti's header the difference between the sides, take a look at how he did it.
Samuel Umtiti rises highest to head France into World Cup final
The IndependentFrance 1-0 Belgium: The Barcelona man headed the only goal to book Didier Deschamps' side's place in Sunday's showpiece
09:35
Someone who knows a little bit about the pressure of winning a World Cup for England, Sir Geoff Hurst, tweeted out his support for the boys in their semi-final tonight, he's juts one of many who'll be behind the team today!
09:22
Today is the day! England play in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 later on and they face a tough opponent in Croatia.
But regardless of the outcome Gareth Southgate's team have already made history by restoring vigour and enthusiasm into our national side.
Here Miguel Delaney takes you through how Southgate has masterminded England's transformation.
Why Gareth Southgate is already an English history maker
The IndependentThe regular calamities that have afflicted England for two decades have been blown away by competence, by composure, by intelligence - by rigour
09:07
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's World Cup live blog, where we'll bring you all the latest reaction from France's narrow victory over Belgium last night and look ahead to tonight's mammoth semi-final encounter between England and Croatia.
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