England flew back into St Petersburg after securing their place in the semi-finals with victory against Sweden in Moscow on Saturday.
The Three Lions squad and management team arrived at their training base in Repino just after midnight local time and spent the day recuperating as World Cup fever gripped the nation.
Gareth Southgate’s side enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation with no media commitments before beginning preparations for their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years against Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday.
Today, I want to thank all that have and continue to support @England as a team, this has helped us achieve what can only be described as a dream!!! To reach the semi finals of a world cup…….. WOW! We go again #ThankYou #DreamBig #WorldCup #RS7 × #RS10 pic.twitter.com/FkgPd9VoN7
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) July 8, 2018
Raheem Sterling shrugged off the latest criticism aimed at the Manchester City forward to capture the feeling in the England camp and back home.
Sterling caused Sweden plenty of problems in Samara and although he received more flak from some fans for missed chances, David Beckham is the latest former England player to jump to his defence.
Picture of the day
Gareth Southgate strikes a familiar victory pose after England’s win against Sweden (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Quote of the day
Video of the day
England squad warms down after quarter-final win
All calm in the England camp… 🧘♂️
Posted by England football team on Sunday, July 8, 2018
Daily social
We're holding you to this, @trippier2! 😅
Big thanks to the #ThreeLions man for joining us on #LionsDen today. Watch it back in full: https://t.co/cGFx29ChDo pic.twitter.com/VekP7BJUNI
— England (@England) July 8, 2018
What’s on tomorrow
England have a press conference on Monday (Owen Humphreys/PA)
England have a press conference at their Repino base at 1.30pm (BST).
Three Lions Throwback
Frank Lampard, centre, celebrates scoring England’s third goal in their last meeting with Croatia (Nick Potts/PA)
England beat Croatia 5-1 at Wembley in the last meeting between the two countries in September 2009. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard both scored twice and Wayne Rooney was also on target.
The win, in a 2010 World Cup qualifier, secured England’s place at the finals in South Africa with five qualifying matches still to play.
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