Gareth Southgate has admitted inexperience may have contributed to England's semi-final loss to Croatia on Wednesday night.

Mario Mandzukic's goal in extra-time helped the Vatreni seal a 2-1 victory and booked their place in the final against France on Sunday.

The Three Lions took an early lead, but capitulated after Ivan Perisic's second half equaliser. And speaking to reporters after the game, Southgate said the occasion could have got the better of his young players.

"I think played extremely well in first-half given the size of the game," said Southgate. "I was pleased with the way we controlled possession and decision making was good.

"You're quite right. When you're in charge of the game as we were, you need to score a second goal at that point. In the second half we were less composed. We are the least experienced teamwith an opportunity to get to the World Cup final, whether that had an effect on our decision subconsciously, I don't know.

"Credit to Croatia they came out strong they have outstanding players. Our players regained composure in extra-time, which was even.

"When you get to this stage of the competition the margins are fine. I need to look back and see but I think our chances were as good as theirs but they took theirs."