LOVE TRAIN IS IRRESISTIBLE

COULD football really be coming home?

There’s no doubt England, having reached a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, have won a lot of begrudgers over and have a decent shotof making their first final since 1966.

Gareth Southgate’s team have gone about it in a humble and workmanlike manner and have worked so well on set-pieces that they’ve provided eight of their 11 goals.

With Croatia coming off two penalty shootouts and England so untroubled by Sweden, they’re certainly in a great position.

Their style may be more flat-pack than creative artistry, highlighted by the ‘Love Train’ set-up they have used, but it’s possible that Allan Russell

(above) – their attacking coach who does all the set-piece work – could end up getting as much credit as the genial chap in the waistcoat.