Kieran Trippier In Tears As He Realises World Cup Dream Is Over

Kieran Trippier couldn't hold back the tears as he realised England's World Cup dream was over.

The Spurs right-back was one of England's best players throughout the tournament and put the Three Lions ahead in the nation's first World Cup semi-final for 28 years with a stunning free-kick five minutes in against Croatia.

Images: PA

England should have been two or three goals to the good as they dominated the game for an hour.

But Zlatko Dalić's side equalised in the 68th minute through Ivan Perisic and bossed the game from then on, before Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic popped up with the winner in the second half of extra time to send Croatia into their first ever World Cup final.

It was heartbreak for Gareth Southgate's young side and Trippier's emotions spilled out when he was forced off with an injury in extra time and helped away to the bench by England's medical staff.

You couldn't ask for anything more from the group of players. Through their performances and spirit, they gave the nation reason to believe and made us dream.

After tonight's result, England now face Belgium on Saturday for the second time this tournament - this time in the not so exciting third-place play-off.

Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, Kieran Trippier, England, World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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