‘3 Lions on our shirts’: newspaper headlines ahead of Croatia vs. England

Croatia vs. England

• What: World Cup semi-final
• When: Wednesday 11 July
• Kick-off time: 7pm
• Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
• TV channel: live on ITV

England boss Gareth Southgate has called on his Three Lions stars to continue making history as they face the biggest match of their careers tonight.

In the semi-final in Moscow this evening (7pm) Croatia stand in the way of England setting up a World Cup final date with France on Sunday.

Southgate hailed his heroes for what they have already achieved. “We’ve won after scoring in the last minute, won after conceding in the last minute, come through extra-time and penalties,” he told the BBC.

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“We’ve made several pieces of history. Biggest win in the tournament. First knockout win for ten years. First quarter-final win for longer. First win on penalties in the World Cup.

“We keep looking to break the barriers down. It’s been an enjoyable journey, and we want to keep it going.”

The Croatia vs. England semi-final dominates the front and back pages of the UK newspapers this morning. We round up all the headlines…

‘To boldly go where only 11 Englishmen have gone before’

The Times calls on England’s 2018 stars to emulate the World Cup heroes of 1966.

‘Sing when I’m winning’

The Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and The Sun report that Southgate couldn’t listen to England football’s theme song for 20 years after missing a penalty against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.

‘The best is yet to come’

The Guardian back page leads on Southgate hailing the potential of his young England side.

‘Field of dreams’

Southgate is not ready for England’s World Cup journey to end, says Metro.

‘Do it for the shirt’

England’s last World Cup semi-final captain Terry Butcher talks to the Daily Express.

‘Roar us to the final’

The Daily Star’s back page focuses on Southgate’s message to Three Lions fans.

‘Give us tears of joy’

World Cup 1990 hero Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne sends a message to the England players via the Daily Mirror front page.

‘Birthplace of football’

The Sheffield Star pays tribute to the England players who hail from Yorkshire.