Pride of lions: How England's World Cup journey lifted a nation

A pride of lions who have lifted a nation's hearts. Credit: PA

England's dream was brought to a bitter end by Croatia in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

But who would have thought such a low key arrival could lead to a World Cup like this?

They had no idea that they might be following in the footsteps of giants.

For some very young they were already heroes but with every game and every goal their stature grew before our very eyes.