Nine things we loved on day 31: Pickford, Hazard, Alderweireld…
The World Cup is almost over, with England finishing their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.
While England may finally be coming home, we have plenty to be proud of after a fantastic tournament.
We take a look back on everything we loved on day 31.
Belgium’s move, Pickford’s save
Now *that* is how you move the ball.
Not a bad save either.
WHAT A MOVE! Moments before their second goal a fantastic counter-attack from Belgium sees England on the back-foot, but Pickford denies Meunier with a fine save! pic.twitter.com/BYdLaurb3b
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2018
Alderweireld’s defending
None shall pass.
Unbelievable defending by Alderweireld 😲 pic.twitter.com/4UNGc6T01n
— Zeeshan⁷ 🇵🇹 (@FinishRonaldo) July 14, 2018
Gary Lineker knows
This.
Dear non English football fans.
Football’s coming home is a fun song highlighting the lack of success of our football team for decades. No one really thought we’d win it. I totally get why you might think it was arrogance, but it’s more our self deprecatory sense of humour. 👍🏻— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 14, 2018
This Jordan Pickford story
Next time.
Jordan Pickford showed commendable restraint in the tunnel after the semi-final defeat when a member of a Croatian TV crew taunted him with "You should have f***ing won that". Pickford calmly replied "next time" and carried on to the dressing-room. #eng #WorldCup
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 14, 2018
Kieran Trippier
He was bloody awesome throughout, right?
Kieran Trippier has now created more chances (24) at the 2018 #WorldCup than any other player.
The #ENG defender has had a fine tournament 👌 pic.twitter.com/iDVkXbgXWO
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 14, 2018
Eden Hazard
He might be leaving Chelsea, and with stats like this he’ll have plenty of suitors.
7 – Eden Hazard has been directly involved in seven goals at the World Cup (three goals, four assists); the joint-most of any Belgium player since 1966 (Jan Ceulemans also with seven). Rocket. #BELENG #BEL #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gaz8VqtsSE
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2018
Manchester City’s Twitter
Unlucky, Romelu.
56. What a pass from @DeBruyneKev!!!
Lukaku loses control…
🇧🇪 1-0 🏴 #worldcup
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 14, 2018
Our Gareth
A round of applause for our Gareth? Fully deserved.
Gareth Southgate leaves his final #WorldCup press conference to a round of applause after ending it with a thank you to Russia for the excellent way they've hosted the tournament and the media for their fair coverage. #ThreeLions
— Andy Walker (@_andywalker_) July 14, 2018
Ivan Rakitic
This is brave.
Ivan Rakitic says he’ll get a tattoo on his forehead if Croatia win the World Cup 😂 pic.twitter.com/DXUo59Ohwe
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 14, 2018
More World Cup
Jordan Pickford’s brilliant career in quotes: ‘It was clear he was special’
16 of the best It’s Coming Home memes: Lingard, Southgate, The Matrix & more
A farewell to the brilliant & occasionally hilarious Sergei Ignashevich
Can you name every member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad?