National treasures! How the papers reacted to England's World Cup heartbreak in Russia
England fans are waking up after their World Cup dream ended in tears last night – but there is plenty of national pride to read about in this morning’s papers.
The brave Three Lions are coming home as heroes after reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.
Croatia proved too strong in extra-time as Mario Mandzukic netted a late heartbreaker to deny Gareth Southgate’s men the chance to take the match to penalties.
READ MORE: England’s World Cup dream ended by Croatia
However, there is an overwhelming sense of patriotism on both the front and back pages of the national press to help people find some comfort from the defeat.
England’s players have been described as ‘heroes’ and ‘national treasures’ by the Daily Mirror while the Daily Express thanked the team for their efforts.
READ MORE: England player ratings after heartbreaking Croatia loss
READ MORE: Five things we learned from England 1-2 Croatia
Take a look at how the media reacted below.
Daily Mirror
MIRROR: Heroes #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/sTADzpJJTd
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
MIRROR SPORT: National Treasures #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/IYlU4Hlcd4
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
The Guardian
THE GUARDIAN: End Of The Dream #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/h18oxXEOKH
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
The Daily Telegraph sport
TELEGRAPH WORLD CUP: Hold your heads high #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/OW1bnlK2oT
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
Daily Express
DAILY EXPRESS: We lived the dream… thank you England 🏴 #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/rMqaoq7HYK
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
Daily Star
STAR: You did us proud #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/0V2F1K8oQj
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
The i
I: Trump lands in the UK for Brexit trade talks #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/TbsRm5hwCE
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
Daily Mail sport
MAIL SPORT: We Salute You #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/0sAKQEAo4M
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
Metro
METRO: A kick in the Balkans #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/m1oiO99Sy3
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 11, 2018
The Sun
Gutted England captain Harry Kane said: “The fans were amazing, it was a tough game. We worked as hard as we could. It hurts a lot, it is going to hurt for a while.”
Three Lions manager Southgate added: “The biggest thing is – you saw the supporters. I can’t ask any more than what the players and staff have given.”
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“We are where we are as a team. We’ve come an incredible way in a short space of time. ”