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England's hope of winning the World Cup came to a devastating end in the semi-finals on Wednesday night - but there was a feeling at full-time Croatia's winning goal could have been avoided.

Mario Mandzukic delivered the sucker punch in the second half of extra-time, crushing English hearts everywhere.

The Juventus forward got through after Kyle Walker failed to clear the ball. Mandzukic sneaked in behind John Stones, latched on to the loose ball and finished neatly past Jordan Pickford.

At full-time, Roy Keane made his thoughts on Stone's decision making clear.

On ITV, Keane said: "We've talked about how comfortable England are playing out from the back and that it's in their DNA and Stones is comfortable on the ball you still have the act of defending. Players smelling danger.

(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/Action Plus via Getty Images) (Image: AFP)

"Stones is ball watching and then when the goal goes in he's looking at people as if he should have got a shout. You're not going to get a shout in a World Cup semi-final. You've got to be aware of it and deal with it yourself.

"He does get caught out defensively."

Gary Neville added: "Stones has switched off for that goal and he'll know he's made a mistake and he'll have to carry that with him."

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(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images) (Image: AFP) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

And England fans seemed to be in agreement with the former Manchester United midfielder.

One fan tweeted: "Agreeing with Keane over Stones' ball watching but if prior to this Walker used his left foot to clear first ball in situation avoided. Poor."

Another supporter posted: "Roy Keane sticking the boot into John Stones. He's right though.