Mario Mandzukic was the hero in extra time as Croatia came back from behind to earn a first spot in a major final, at England’s expense.

Right-back Kieran Trippier rocketed in a fifth-minute free-kick in the World Cup semi-final, with Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane soon failing to double the lead. These misses – in the Three Lions’ first last-four clash in the global event since 1990 – came back to hurt them in the second half at Luzhniki Stadium.

Winger Ivan Perisic volleyed in the 68th-minute leveller, via a potential high foot. Then in extra-time, veteran striker Mandzukic took advantage of centre-back John Stones’ woeful marking to see Croatia go one better than their ‘Golden Generation’ twenty years ago in France.

CROATIA (4-1-4-1)

Danijel Subasic – 8: An excellent tournament for the Monaco goalkeeper continued. Highlight was the first-half save and remarkable recovery to deny Kane.

Sime Vrsaljko – 8: Croatia were grateful that he recovered, miraculously, from injury. Teed up Perisic’s equaliser and headed off the line from Stones.

Dejan Lovren – 6: Lucky not to get booked and appeared a ticking time bomb. But did superbly to deny nemesis Kane a close-range header.

Domagoj Vida – 6: Booed relentlessly by the Russians in the crowds after his pro-Ukraine remarks. Initially troubled by Raheem Sterling’s pace, then recovered.

Ivan Strinic – 5: Pegged back by the endeavour of England’s goal scorer, Trippier. Did not look assured in, or out, of possession. Injured late on.

Marcelo Brozovic – 7: Early influence on proceedings was negated by England’s route-one tactics. But the Internazionale anchor’s ability would tell past 60 minutes.

Ante Rebic – 5: Fired in several wild shots and could do nothing with the rebound when Perisic’s second-half shot hit the woodwork.

Luka Modric – 8: Grew in authority at the Luzhniki Stadium. Had the third-highest pass accuracy for Croatia. This was a telling statistic as Croatia rebounded.

Ivan Rakitic – 7: Produced a surprising number of loose balls in the first half. Emerged a different, more authoritative figure after the break. A fine player.

Ivan Perisic – 8: Anticipation for volley was fantastic, soon after struck the post and then supplied the perfect cross for Mandzukic which should have led to another.

Mario Mandzukic – 8: Laudable energy levels. A third-successive extra-time period saw him only just denied by Pickford and then, decisively, smash in from close range.

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Josip Pivaric – 6: Like-for-like replacement for the lame Strinic. Missed in shootout against Denmark and would have been relieved not to go again.

Andrej Kramaric – 5: Leicester City flop could not punish the country in which he did so little. Made shocking decision to shoot.

Vedran Corluka – N/A: Experience made sure Croatia held firm in the final throes.

Milan Badelj – N/A: Last-gasp handball was not punished by England.