England cricketers heap praises on their football team following their FIFA World Cup campaign

The second semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was played yesterday between England and Croatia. While the Three Lions were ranked 12th in the world, Croatia were placed in the 12th spot. Harry Kane and his men were touted to be the favorites and they started on the grand note. Kieran Tipper scored in the fifth minute to put England on the ascendancy early on.

At the half-way mark, Kane’s men held on to their lead and Croatia were required to pull off a herculean task. In the 68th minute, Ivan Perisic pulled a rabbit out of the hat and helped his team draw level with England. In the conclusion of the 90 minutes, it was even-steven and both teams had 30 more minutes, plus extra time, to score and make their way into the Final.

England lose but earn respect

Eventually, Mario Mandzukic scored in the 109th minute after which England couldn’t recover. While Croatia qualified for the Final of the World Cup for the maiden time, the hopes of the Brits’ were dashed. The English cricketers have been ardently following the football team. A number of cricketers have taken to Twitter and rooted for their team.

The cricket team lost the first T20I against India at Old Trafford in Manchester by eight wickets. On the same day, Harry Kane’s men locked horns with Colombia in the round of 16 match and they won by 4-3 on penalties. Subsequently, they also moved to the quarterfinal of the tournament.

The English cricketers followed the match on TV in their dressing room and erupted in jubilation following the triumph. England lost yesterday’s match, but the cricketers, both former and current, showered them with accolades. Even the women’s players lauded them for the superlative show.

Here is how they reacted

Did us proud @England. You brought the nation together like I’ve never seen before. Incredible effort and I’m sure everyone is as proud as I am #WorldCupRussia ⚽️

— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) July 11, 2018

Sport should not make you feel this Sad … But it always does !!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 11, 2018

Win lose or draw if any English sports team is one you can be proud of then they have done their job. Well done @GarethSouthgate & the whole @england football team. Great job. #FifaWorldCup18 #EngvsCro

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) July 11, 2018

Absolutely gutted for the England boys!! You’ve done your nation proud and you have made every single one of us at home believe! You’ve brought the nation together and 100% created an unforgettable summer for all football fans. Hold your heads high! #ThreeLions

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) July 11, 2018

Proud of @England and @GarethSouthgate Exceeded all expectations and have made good progress. 👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽️⚽️

— Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) July 11, 2018

Whatever happens these @England lads have been outstanding during this #WorldCup brought pride back to the shirt, so hold your heads up high & come again…plenty more years in these lads yet 👍🏾 #beproud 👏🏿👏🏿

— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) July 11, 2018

England football is in a great place. Great leader ! Players playing with passion and connected with the public. They should be proud of letting the country dare to dream !!

— Matthew hoggard (@Hoggy602) July 11, 2018

Gutted its over! Brought the Country together for a few wks! Well done Gareth & the boys! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🦁🦁🦁 https://t.co/pwSrM8liqt

— Jack Brooks (@BrooksyFerret) July 11, 2018