Southgate replaced Sterling with Marcus Rashford in the 74th minute in a bid to provide an attacking spark. But Croatia continued to press and England hearts were again sent fluttering when Mandzukic chested down a Brozovic pass from the right only to fire his shot from a tight angle straight at Pickford.

England will have been relieved to hear referee Cuneyt Cakir blow his whistle after 93 minutes and the short break seemed to work in their favor as they took the initiative early in extra time.

However Croatia had another ace up their sleeve and it should have come as little surprise that Perisic was the man who started the move that led to their winner.

England were caught napping in the 19th minute of extra time as the 29-year-old sent a looping header into the box with his back to goal. Mandzukic was first to respond, drifting behind the defence before blasting beyond Pickford.

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