‘3 Lions on our shirts’: newspaper headlines ahead of Croatia vs. England

Gareth Southgate urges his England team to
keep their World Cup run going and reach Sunday’s final

One-Minute Read

In the semi-final in Moscow this evening (7pm) Croatia stand in
the way of England setting up a World Cup final date with France on
Sunday.

Southgate hailed his heroes for what they have already achieved.
“We’ve won after scoring in the last minute, won after conceding in
the last minute, come through extra-time and penalties,”
he told the BBC.

“We’ve made several pieces of history. Biggest win in the
tournament. First knockout win for ten years. First quarter-final
win for longer. First win on penalties in the World Cup.

“We keep looking to break the barriers down. It’s been an
enjoyable journey, and we want to keep it going.”

The Croatia vs. England semi-final dominates the front and
back pages of the UK newspapers this morning. We round up all the
headlines…

‘To boldly go where only 11 Englishmen have
gone before’

The Times calls on England’s 2018 stars to emulate the
World Cup heroes of 1966.

‘Sing when I’m winning’

The Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and The Sun report that
Southgate couldn’t listen to England football’s theme song for 20
years after missing a penalty against Germany in the Euro 96
semi-final.

‘The best is yet to come’

The Guardian back page leads on Southgate hailing the
potential of his young England side.

‘Field of dreams’

Southgate is not ready for England’s World Cup journey to
end, says Metro.

‘Do it for the shirt’

England’s last World Cup semi-final captain Terry Butcher
talks to the Daily Express.

‘Roar us to the final’

The Daily Star’s back page focuses on Southgate’s message
to Three Lions fans.

‘Give us tears of joy’

World Cup 1990 hero Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne sends a
message to the England players via the Daily Mirror front
page.

‘Birthplace of football’

The Sheffield Star pays tribute to the England players who
hail from Yorkshire.