England fans can scarcely believe how well the England team under Gareth 
Southgate have performed at this summer’s FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia. This unheralded and very young team were not expected to get particularly far in the tournament, with many feeling that they may even struggle to get out of the group stage.
However, a combination of solid performances, a bit of luck at times and the fact that the World Cup has seen a number of top teams eliminated from each side of the draw, now means that after five games in Russia, England are just one of four remaining teams, the others being Belgium, France and Croatia, that can still win the 2018 World Cup.
Tuesday night will see the first semifinal as France take on Belgium in St.Petersburg, while on Wednesday evening, Croatia will be the team facing England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow (also the venue for Sunday’s final) in the second semifinal.
So how have Gareth Southgate’s managed to get this far in the tournament? Let’s take a look at England’s progress to the semifinal in more detail below. Remember, if you fancy a wager on either semifinal, then bet365 sport is certainly the place to head.
England’s Progress to the Semifinal
Group Stage – Group G
- V Tunisia – W 2-1
Harry Kane’s double against Tunisia, including a late winner, was the catalyst for England making a good start in the tournament in their opening game against a tricky Tunisia side.
- V Panama – W 6-1
A stunning first half display saw the Three Lions go in at half time 5-0 up against their central American opponents who were completely outclassed in this game. Harry Kane completed a hattrick in the second half and Panama grabbed a consolation late in the game. Lingard and Stones with two were England’s other scorers. This win ensured that both England and Belgium would move forward into the Round of 16 from Group G.
- V Belgium – L 0-1
A much-changed England team took on an equally much-changed Belgium side in what was a rather dull game in the end. Adnan Januzaj’s goal handed Belgium the win to top the group but also saw them presented with a potentially tougher route into the final. England’s loss saw them finish second but with a potentially easier route through to the final.
- V Colombia – D 1-1 (won 4-3 on penalties)
A brutal, physical encounter with Colombia saw England maintain their composure in the face of severe provocation at times. Harry Kane scored his sixth of the World Cup from the spot in the second half but Yerry Mina’s late equaliser handed Colombia a chance to take the game into extra time. Penalties then ensued and England ended their World Cup penalties hoodoo when Eric Dier slotted home the winning penalty after Jordan Pickford had saved from Carlos Bacca.
- V Sweden – W 2-0
A quarterfinal with Sweden, a team England have a poor record against, ensued and in truth, this was arguably England’s best performance of the tournament. A header from Harry Maguire gave England the lead in a first half the Three Lions dominated. Sweden came back a little after half time but found Jordan Pickford in fine form. Dele Alli nodded in a second on 58 minutes and England were through to only their third ever World Cup Semi Final.
How have England’s Semifinal Opponents Croatia fared?
Group Stage – Group D
- V Nigeria – W 2-0
Croatia made a solid start to their campaign against Nigeria, putting in a solid display to earn a 2-0 victory thanks to an own goal from Etebo on 32 minutes and then a Luka Modric penalty on 72. In truth, this was a game Croatia dominated well and perhaps should have won by more.
- V Argentina – W 3-0
A superb display against Argentina, particularly in the second hald, was the first time that people felt Croatia could go far in the tournament. Ante Rebic penalised some sloppy goalkeeping from Willy Caballero to give Croatia the lead before Modric added a sublime second and then Rakitic added an injury time third as Argentina fell apart.
- V Iceland – W 2-1
In truth, Iceland arguably gave Croatia their biggest test of the tournament so far, although they did rest several key men for this game. After a goalless first half, Badelj put Croatia in front in the second half but Sigurdsson levelled for Iceland from the spot, however in injury time Perisic grabbed the winner to ensure Croatia finished top of Group D with maximum points.
- V Denmark – D 1-1 (Won 3-2 on penalties)
A dramatic start to this game saw Croatia go a goal down after just 60 seconds before Mario Mandzukic levelled after four minutes. There were no more goals in the game, although at the end of extra time Luka Modric missed a key penalty to win the game. Denmark however could not capitalise and with Subasic making three great saves in the shootout, Rakitic slotted home the penalty to send Croatia through.
- V Russia – D 2-2 (Won 4-3 on penalties)
Croatian fans celebrated another dramatic penalty win against Russia after an exciting 120 minutes beforehand. Once again Croatia went a goal down to Cheryshev’s shot, but Kramaric levelled eight minutes later. There were no goals in the remainder of normal time, but Vida’s header put Croatia in the lead in extra time, only for Fernandes to level for Russia five minutes from the end of extra time. Once again Subasic was the hero in penalties as he saved one and saw Fernandes fire wide, allowing Rakitic the chance to win the game again with the final penalty, which he duly did.
Croatia v England – Tips
Match Result – England to win (11/8 with Bet365)
England start this game as the slight favourites and I do feel that the Three Lions have the momentum. Croatia’s two wins in the knockout phase have been hugely draining physically on a squad that isn’t the youngest. Croatia will give England a real test defensively but I also feel England’s attack will cause Croatia’s defence, which lacks pace, plenty of problems too. If England can nullify Modric in particular, as Russia and Denmark did, then I fancy them to win this one either 2-0 or 2-1.
Anytime Goalscorer – Harry Kane – (6/5 with Bet365)
He didn’t find the net against Sweden last time out, but you can bet Harry Kane will be itching to follow Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker to become only the third English player to score in a World Cup semifinal. He’s bagged six goals already in the tournament and I would not put it past him to make it seven or even eight here.
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