England’s World Cup journey came to an end last night after Croatia came back from 0-1 to defeat them 2-1 at Moscow. Many considered this being England’s best chance of bringing the World Cup home. And Kieran Trippier’s wonderful free-kick just elevated the belief among the England fans.
However, England weren’t able to extend their lead or hold on to it. Ivan Perisic equalised for Croatia before Mario Mandzukic won the game for them in extra-time.
England’s World Cup elimination has broken the hearts of millions of fans . However, Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho believes that the team should take heart from their campaign.
While talking to RT, Mourinho said, “England have reason to cry because they were so close to [reaching the World Cup final], but they have also have reason to be optimistic. The team improved a lot in relation to previous appearances. It’s a young team, the majority of the players will play in the next World Cup with more experience at club level.
If I was in charge of the FA there would be no doubt that I would keep Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland in their jobs and give them the chance to take the team to the next Euros and the next World Cup. The players and the squad, everybody involved in the World Cup, have a reason to come back home with pride after giving everything and making the country proud.”
While the England players were looking around in despair and disappointment, it was joy and excitement for the Croatian players.
“It’s a great achievement for a country where the league is a minor league and the majority of the players don’t player in Croatia but abroad,” said Mourinho.
The Portuguese added, “As I know, when you work abroad, you feel your country in a different way. So for them to go back to their country and take a nation like Croatia to the World Cup final is something amazing.”
England will now take on Belgium at Saint Petersburg on Saturday in the 3rd/4th place playoff. Croatia will take on France for the title clash at Moscow.
