Dejan Lovren said the main difference between Croatia and England was “mental”, and that was why the new World Cup finalists were able to show more despite accusations they were “tired” after a third successive game going to extra-time.

The centre-half was another Croatian player to mention perceived criticism of his side and motivation, and doubled down on the claim that he has proven himself one of the best centre-halves in the world.

Croatia did look tired for the first hour of their semi-final against England, as they trailed to Kieran Trippier’s free-kick and did not look like getting back into the game, only to completely turn it around with Ivan Perisic’s improvised strike before Mario Mandzukic’s late winner.

Lovren said discussion of his side had been noted, as they went one stage further than the famous 1998 Croatia.

Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings <b>Croatia:</b> Danijel Subasic – 6 out of 10 His position for the opening goal was questionable and his dive wasn’t all that either. Possibly still feeling the effects of his hamstring niggle suffered in the quarter-final. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Sime Vrsaljko – 8 out of 10 An injury doubt heading into the game that will have been relieved to see Raheem Sterling targeting the left side of the Croatian defence. Pushed forward as England went into their shells, and it was his superb cross that allowed Perisic to volley home and level the scores. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Dejan Lovren – 5 out of 10 On thin ice early with referee Cuneyt Cakir and somehow stayed out of the referee’s book. Ran ragged throughout the first half by Sterling and Lingard, and looked like a walking red card waiting to happen. But as England’s attack faded away, the pressure on him eased. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Domagoj Vida – 7 out of 10 The more commanding of the two Croatian centre-backs, though that isn’t saying much in comparison to Lovren’s performance. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Ivan Strinic – 5 out of 10 Found himself under a heap of pressure as Sterling and Trippier double-teamed him, putting him in a spin that England were unable to take full advantage of. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Marcelo Brozovic – 6 out of 10 It was his loss of concentration that allowed Dele Alli to slip by and force Luka Modric into the foul that led to the opening goal. Looked more assured thereafter, and was one of the main reasons why Croatia were able to turn the tables. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Ante Rebic – 6 out of 10 Must have been one of the most frustrated players on the pitch as he saw no fewer than three shots blocked by the stubborn England defence, before being replaced by Anrej Kramaric. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Luka Modric – 6 out of 10 Exposed defensively as Dele Alli drew the early foul that set-up England’s opener and looked very much like a 31-year-old who has been dragged through three lung-busting extra-time matches. A shadow of the player we’re used to seeing. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Ivan Rakitic – 6 out of 10 Just as disappointing as Modric and for all the high billing that the Liga duo were given, they flattered to deceive. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Ivan Perisic – 9 out of 10 Wasted possession early on when Croatia were trailing as he wastefully shot from distance, but made his impact on the game – and then some. He made a lovely run to get in front of Kyle Walker to score Croatia’s deserved equaliser, and it was his determination that got him to the ball first to head into the path of Mandzukic to score the winner. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Wasted possession early on when Croatia were trailing as he wastefully shot from distance, but made his impact on the game – and then some. He made a lovely run to get in front of Kyle Walker to score Croatia’s deserved equaliser, and it was his determina Took a clattering from Pickford when the two collided in close-range to the England goal, but brushed it off to score the crucial goal that sent Croatia through to the World Cup final. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings <England:</b> Jordan Pickford – 6 out of 10 Involved in a nasty-looking collision with Rebic early on but brushed himself down and looked composed as ever. Didn’t have too many saves to make as England’s defence made block after block, but the resilience finally broke. Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Kyle Walker – 6 out of 10 Bailed England out with his phenomenal pace on numerous occasions as Croatia pushed on in the second half in search of the goal they needed, but just like the opening game against Tunisia he was exposed aerially for Perisic’s equaliser. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings John Stones – 7 out of 10 England’s most impressive defender as he put his body on the line and looked to block anything that came down the centre channel. A strong performance that was undone by his hesitation that allowed Mandzukic in behind to score the winner. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Harry Maguire – 6 out of 10 Tried to impose at England’s set-pieces but to no avail. Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Kieran Trippier – 8 out of 10 Lovely free-kick to open the scoring in the fifth minute dared England to dream and was reward for his efforts at the tournament. The sight of him being carried off injured as extra-time ticked down was a sad one. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Jordan Henderson – 6 out of 10 Made little impression on the match as Croatia were able to bypass the England midfield with relative ease. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Dele Alli – 6 out of 10 Won the free-kick that produced Trippier’s goal, but that’s just about all he managed and he lost possession too often as England allowed the game to slip away. AFP/Getty Images Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Ashley Young – 6 out of 10 Crucial touch to nip the ball away from Perisic just as he cocked his right leg to shoot at goal early on. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Jesse Lingard – 6 out of 10 For someone who is capable of the beautiful goal he scored against Panama, he goes missing in games too often. Croatia were able to withstand his early onslaught with Sterling and after that he pretty much disappeared from view. AP Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Raheem Sterling – 6 out of 10 Another who disappointed in terms of the final product. Made a number of runs early on that made him look the most dangerous player out there, but too often he was either on his own or ran into a dead end and was replaced by Marcus Rashford when England started to chase the game. EPA Croatia vs England World Cup player ratings Harry Kane – 5 out of 10 Missed two chances in front of goal that he would have expected to score in his sleep – not knowing that he had been flagged offside both times. Looked completely spent come the end of normal time as he slipped back into midfield once again, and you would not be surprised if he has been carrying an injury since the Colombia game. AFP/Getty Images

“Before this game they said we are tired but we showed in extra-time we had fresher legs than them. Simple as that,” he said. “Not just the English press, I am saying from the beginning. It is just sometimes it is unfair. Like in my case when you are talking about me. I think people should respect me also. But from today everyone in Croatia and around the world thinks that we managed to make history today. It is special history when you look back and see three times 120 minutes and we had fresher legs than that England team.

“The difference was mental. Mentally. Because we knew we could write history today and we did it. Now there is only one game left to make it forever. But I think even now after 20 years people will remember us and not just the ’98 team. This is what I wanted. This is why I am proud. You deserve this.

“It feels incredible, especially after everything that was said about us before the game. We showed our character we showed that we deserved to be in the final and people should respect us.”

It means Lovren himself will play in football’s two biggest fixtures in the space of two months, and he said he would have signed on for all the criticism he has suffered this season to end up with that. The Liverpool centre-half had before the game become irritated with a question about how he had struggled with Harry Kane in two games against Tottenham Hotspur.

“Beautiful. If somebody told me that from the beginning of the season that I would be in two of the biggest finals in the world I would have signed straight away and I went through a lot of s***. Yesterday I received a question like what do you think about the 4-1? I really don’t understand these questions, always looking back to where I made some mistakes. I really don’t understand. There is too much about me. But whatever, this is what gets me more motivated to work harder and prove everyone wrong, everyone.”

Asked whether he wanted to prove he’s one of the best defenders in the world, Lovren said “I think I have done that, without being arrogant” before revealing he had been in touch with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

“Yeah, he's proud of me and what I achieved. He knows what I went through. He's a good man. Even in tough times he was always backing me up. I appreciated that.”

Lovren meanwhile argued that Luka Modric proved himself as the best midfielder in the world, too, particularly given how he persevered despite clearly looking exhausted.

“It was fatigue. Three times in 10 days 120 minutes it is not so easy. Modric showed today that he is the No 1 midfielder in the world.

It was put to Lovren how a country has small as Croatia - with a population of around 4.2m population - could keep succeeding in football, as they became the smallest country to reach a World Cup final since Uruguay in 1950. He had a playful answer.

“It's unbelievable how many talents we have in sports. When you look at basketball, at handball, at water polo - tennis especially. I would say we have good mothers and fathers. They're making good love I would say.”

England vs Croatia: Story of the game Show all 190 1 /190 England vs Croatia: Story of the game England vs Croatia: Story of the game England and Croatian fans pose in Red Square ahead of the match Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Fans in the stands before the semi-final Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Mario Mandzukic in action with John Stones REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kieran Trippier Goal Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Raheem Sterling battles for the ball PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kieran Trippier of England celebrates Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Jordan Pickford makes a save from Croatia's Ivan Perisic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Kieran Trippier celebrates scoring REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kieran Trippier after the first goal of the game Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic dives PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Jordan Pickford celebrates Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Kieran Trippier celebrates scoring their first goal with Harry Kane REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Mario Mandzukic in action with John Stones REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England Celebrate REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Jordan Pickford in action with Croatia's Ante Rebic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Up and over for Pickford REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Danijel Subasic of Croatia makes a save on Harry Kane of England Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia attempt to fight back Tim Goode/PA Wire England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford save REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kyle Walker goes for the head Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game Jordan Pickford of England collides with Ante Rebic of Croatia Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game Jordan Pickford takes a stroll REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Danijel Subasic of Croatia makes a save on Harry Kane of England Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia controls the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) Matthias Hangst Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game England manager Gareth Southgate (left) speaks with fourth offical Bjorn Kuipers on the touchline during the FIFA World Cup, Semi Final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday July 11, 2018. See PA story WORLDCUP Croatia. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No use with any unofficial 3rd party logos. No manipulation of images. No video emulation. Adam Davy PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Dele Alli of England is challenged by Marcelo Brozovic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Dan Mullan Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Harry Maguire (right) speaks with match referee Cuneyt Cakir (left) during the FIFA World Cup, Semi Final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday July 11, 2018. See PA story WORLDCUP Croatia. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No use with any unofficial 3rd party logos. No manipulation of images. No video emulation. Aaron Chown PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Harry Kane of England wins a header over Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) Alexander Hassenstein Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kyle Walker of England wins a header over Ivan Rakitic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) Alexander Hassenstein Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Marcelo Brozovic (L) of Croatia and Harry Kane of England fight for the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) MB Media Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 England fans during the match REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic during the match REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 Croatia's Ivan Rakitic shoots at goal REUTERS/Damir Sagolj DAMIR SAGOLJ REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 Croatia's Ivan Rakitic remonstrates with referee Cuneyt Cakir REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Harry Kane (not pictured) of England hits thre post during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Dan Mullan Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Referee Cuneyt Cakir talks to Kyle Walker Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Ashley Young takes a throw REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kyle Walker and John Stones in action with Croatia's Domagoj Vida REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Raheem Sterling in action with Croatia's Ivan Rakitic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia's Ivan Rakitic in action with England's Kyle Walker REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Jordan Pickford of England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia team group. Top Row (left to right) Dejan Lovren, Ivan Strinic, Mario Mandzukic, Ante Rebic, Danijel Subasic and Ivan Perisic. Bottom Row (left to right) Marcelo Brozovic, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Rakitic, Sime Vrsaljko and Luka Modric Tim Goode/PA Wire England vs Croatia: Story of the game General view inside the stadium Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Rakitic of Croatia confronts referee Cuneyt Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game hairman of the Football Association Greg Clarke, Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev and FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the match REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and Luka Modric of Croatia confront referee Cuneyt Cakir Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Fans in Millennium Square, Leeds REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia's Luka Modric at half time REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Luka Modric concerned for Croatia REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Rakitic of Croatia confronts referee Getty Images England vs Croatia: Story of the game Television monitors inside the stadium REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Harry Kane in action REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Harry Kane in action with Ivan Strinic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England fans in Moscow Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Harry Kane falls PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dele Alli header REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate looks on Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Marcelo Brozovic heads it Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia fans in Zagreb REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Kyle Walker sit on the floor PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Sterling v Strinic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 England fans during the match REUTERS/Damir Sagolj DAMIR SAGOLJ REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 England's Kyle Walker in action with Croatia's Ante Rebic REUTERS/Christian Hartmann CHRISTIAN HARTMANN REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jesse Lingard of England is challenged by Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Clive Rose Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kyle Walker of England lies on the pitch injured Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Harry Kane in action with Croatia's Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Rakitic REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Harry Maguire and Croatia's Luka Modr PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Kieran Trippier and Croatia's Ivan Rakitic battle PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dele Alli of England looks on Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Jordan Pickford of England kicks the ball away Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ashley Young of England looks on Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia challenges Raheem Sterling Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Jordan Pickford during the match REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Gareth Southgate leads REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia fans REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Strinic of Croatia is challenged by Kieran Trippier Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game ngland's Harry Kane in action with Croatia's Dejan Lovren REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England's Raheem Sterling in action with Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Harry Kane of England lies on the pitch Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Modric in peril Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Vrsaljko with Sterling REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford directs REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kyle Walker of England clashes with Ivan Perisic Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Throw in by Ashley Young REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Luka Modric of Croatia pleads Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane fights for the ball REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ref stops play PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic goal Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane gets thirsty REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic celebrates the equaliser Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Walker injury time PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic gets round Pickford REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Right through Pickford Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic gets Croatia's first Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic celebrates his goal Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic scores Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 Croatia's Ivan Perisic shoots at goal and hits the post REUTERS/Damir Sagolj DAMIR SAGOLJ REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Marcus Rashford of England prepares to be substituted on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Shaun Botterill Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 Croatia's Ivan Perisic shoots at goal and hits the post REUTERS/Damir Sagolj DAMIR SAGOLJ REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Strinic skills Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Crouching PIckford REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Perisic celebrates Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia hit the post REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Three lions roar from the stadium REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game It all falls down PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Catch by Pickford REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate enthusiasm Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate unsure PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Birdseye view Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane anxious PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic of Croatia scores his team's first goal Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Vida slides along Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate contemplates the outcome PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Ivan Perisic of Croatia scores Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia celebrates a goal REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia at half-time REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate checks the clock Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate watches his team REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane looks on Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford jumps for the ball REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford holds out his arms REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane from behind Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia Manager REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia go for the ball REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate applauds the teams REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Extra time is upon us REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane battles PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Brozovic flies Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Brozovic and Kane battle Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Modric takes the ball Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Perisic in action REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Captain Modric takes command Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford shouts it out PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Despair form the fans PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate considers his team Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Injury time Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Sub time Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Injury checks by the ref REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatian fans REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Danny Rose tackled REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dier gets ready Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dier gets steady Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dier comes on REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Zlatko Dalic directs Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game FIFA President attends the matchDier Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford in action Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dalic fury Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Vrsaljko clears the ball off the line REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Stones heads the ball Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Dele Alli challenged Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia's second goal REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia takes the lead REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England huddle PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game England desperate REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate team talk REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Crotia huddle REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Crotia Score REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Crotia celebrate REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Crotia in action REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate calls out REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England chance Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Trippier injury Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia 2 up REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England unsure REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford dejected REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Vardy in despair PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatian joy REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia celebrate 2-1 Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatian fan looking tense REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia celebrates going ahead Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England lose 2-1 Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England abandon hope REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game England loss REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Final whistle Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane is coming home REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game They think it's all over Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia win 2-1 REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate consols Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England and Croatia managers pay their respects REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane upset Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Pickford gives up Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game Kane dejected REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Rashford out Getty England vs Croatia: Story of the game England fall PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatian pride REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Southgate huddle REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia celebrate a 2-1 win REUTERS England vs Croatia: Story of the game Croatia celebrate PA England vs Croatia: Story of the game Going home, goodbye Moscow REUTERS

The final now offers a rematch of the 1998 semi-final. Croatia will be underdogs, but Lovren said they will relish that.

“The final will be tough. Against Denmark [in the last 16], it was tough and today it was tough especially in the first half when they had a couple of chances, but in the second half we managed to control our game and we showed our quality. France are definitely the favourites, there is no hiding of that but we like that we love to be the underdogs from day one.