The World Cup was a curious experience for England fans. On the one hand there was the joy, excitement and, for anyone under the age of 35, the novelty of seeing their team reach the last four. But the constant buzzing in the back of everyone's mind was the strong suspicion that when they went up against an elite team, they would be in trouble.
And so it came to pass. Although, for "elite team," perhaps it would be more accurate to say "elite midfield." Ultimately that was the difference in the 2-1 extra-time semifinal loss to Croatia with Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic running rings around England's engine room.