Heartbreak all over again as England lose World Cup semi-final

And on that note we say goodbye.

It isn't coming home after all. It never was was it?

But what a World Cup campaign for England. We dared to dream.

See you at the weekend...

I think experience was a telling factor today. This Croatian team had medals all over the squad but now is not the time to knitpick. This bunch of players have brought the nation together and the fans haven't sung like this for years. We wanted this team to come out with an identity and a philosophy of playing, and I think they have done that. Where we were sat in the stadium, people around us were impressed with England's football and their ability to play out from the back.

Kieran Trippier's delivery of the ball was brilliant and what a tournament he has had. There were question marks over Jordan Pickford but he was the best choice in goal and this team can develop into something very strong. I have been an admirer of John Stones for a long time, and he defended unbelievably today. We have got a very inexperienced young squad but they have grown and will continue to do so.

We said before the tournament that if they gave absolutely everything in every game, everyone at home would be happy.

England got off to a very good start and dominated the first 45 minutes but Croatia stepped 10 yards further forward in the second half.

Luka Modric bossed the midfield and we could not get near him with his deft touches and passes, he was superb and a man of the match performance, a vital cog for them. We lacked experience to get someone on him and stop him. Croatia did not panic when they fell behind.

Kieran Trippier was brilliant in the tournament and so was Jordan Pickford, especially with his delivery. Harry Kane was a bit quiet in the knockout games and he had a chance that he could not put away

So many positives to take out of the tournament, we did not expect to get to the quarters and will go home after this without heads held high. Finishing third would be excellent.

After being embarrassed by Iceland to this, being applauded off, that is brilliant progress and something to work to. Well done guys, you have given us plenty to shout about.

Former England captain Alan Shearer: "It's disappointing but I'm delighted with how England performed. They've far exceeded expectations and we should congratulate them. They've given everything they could possibly give."

Rio Ferdinand: "This bunch of players have brought the nation together. England has not felt like this about its football team in years."

Croatia winger Ivan Perisic recalls watching Croatia's last semi-final appearance in 1998, a game won 2-1 by eventual champions France.

"I was back in my hometown. I rooted for Croatia wearing the Croatian jersey," said Perisic, who came through the youth teams in France with Sochaux. "I could only dream to play for my country and to score one of the most important goals."

Asif: England. Pride. Restored.

Oliver: This is a team that is in the making, and should be so proud of their performance. 2020 is where it really starts, with more experience.

Martin, Staffs: No-one thought you were the finished article but you have given me and no doubt millions of fans hope that up WILL succeed. Thanks for the fantastic memories, we await with great anticipation !

THERE'S ALWAYS QATAR

Sean, Bristol: Immensely proud is the overwhelming feeling! Well done to all the boys #gaveeverything

G McKay: As a Scotsman, I've been very impressed with England in the World Cup. They have oozed class on and off the pitch. Very refreshing commentary and analysis from all at the studio. Gareth Southgate is a fantastic leader for your team. Just caught out by a team more experienced with big-time players.

AK, London: Guys? Really Tunisia, Panama , Colombia, Sweden are not the most difficult team to beat. We improved from being really bad to being ok. Dream again for two years how we are great and watch us see harsh reality when we play the top teams

Gareth Southgate: "I wanted them to create memories. We've all had an incredible experience, built friendships within the team and given everything for our country. The players have conducted themselves in a way that's connected with the fans and brought joy back home."

SMS Message: Consider this a start rather than an end for this England side. Lessons to be learned but positives to be taken. from Pete, Derby

Consider this a start rather than an end for this England side. Lessons to be learned but positives to be taken.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, England goalscorer Kieran Trippier said: "Obviously we are feeling disappointed but we have grown as a team through the tournament and handled certain games, and a penalty shootout well. Everybody knows you need to take chances in the semi-final of a World Cup, and had we got that second goal, things would have been different. They had their spells in the game, which we knew would happen, but we are very proud of ourselves and all of the staff that have done their jobs to get us to this stage.

"It wasn't meant to be but we want to thank all of the fans out there, we know how difficult it was to get here tonight, and all of the fans at home too. Everyone is thankful to them. Tonight shows how far we have come as a team and a nation. We have connected with the fans and I hope they know how hard we tried to make them proud."

Some England fans are still in the stadium, they had been calling for Gareth Southgate to return for about an hour and he obliged. Eventually.

Sandra, Merseyside: It's STILL 'Coming Home'......it'll just have to be at the EURO'S 2020 FINAL at Wembley, July 12th.....Save The Date!!!

Ollie S: Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and the team have performed. Never in 27 yrs, my life, have they performed as well. Thank you for an excellent match, and for the first time, I can't wait until the next world cup; the British have your back!

Pete C: England (ironically) are like Germany in 2010. Young, bold and on the right track. Gareth and the FA need to hold fast and keep to the long term plan. Trophies WILL come.

Yet more from Gareth Southgate: "It’s impossible to say anything to make the players feel better at this moment in time.

"We have to be proud of what we’ve achieved. I don’t think anyone could have given any more. Players had run out of steam but that’s partly their age – they’re still physically maturing. Croatia have hardened warriors whose understanding of big matches at times came to the fore.

"The players have to go through big matches and experiences to become a team that can win. They have to use this experience for benefit and I know that what’s happened over the last few weeks will make them a stronger team."

Gareth Southgate: "Over the next few days will be the time to reflect. It’s clear the progress we’ve made in terms of performances and togetherness. There are a lot of things that have been hugely positive for us. An inexperienced team has to go through things to make them better. To become a winning team there are hurdles you have to overcame – and we’ve surpassed many of them.

"Tonight was a wonderful opportunity and you can’t guarantee they’ll come again. But equally we want to be a team who hit quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. We’ve proved to ourselves and our country that’s possible. There’ll be a new benchmark and level of expectation. Many of our players have come of age on the international stage."

"If he was a plumber, or a joiner, he'd be a success. He's such a good guy."

Caller talking about Harry Kane...

SMS Message: Let's win on Saturday. Even by winning 3rd place this team would have achieved the most of any England team since 1966. We then take that momentum into the euros and win. from Alex, Eastleigh

Let's win on Saturday. Even by winning 3rd place this team would have achieved the most of any England team since 1966. We then take that momentum into the euros and win.