Harry Kane ensured a year to cherish would end with a bang as England came from behind against World Cup semi-final foes Croatia to reach the inaugural Nations League Finals.

Just 130 days after breaking English hearts in Moscow, Zlatko Dalic’s men looked set to prove the scourge of the Three Lions once more as Andrej Kramaric’s deflected effort left them staring down the barrel of relegation.

But a stirring comeback from Gareth Southgate’s side brought a memorable year to a fitting conclusion, with substitute Jesse Lingard scoring and clearing off the line before captain Kane secured a late 2-1 win which sees them top Group A4 ahead of Spain.

Half-time offered the chance to regroup and Rashford almost fed Sterling seven minutes after the restart, but every missed chance gave Croatia confidence – and their raucous fans had something to celebrate in the 57th minute.

Kramaric received a cut-back and was allowed to jink back and forth, before getting away an attempt that Dier’s block diverted into the top corner.

It was a goal that meant anything but victory would now see England relegated to the Nations League’s second tier.

Dele Alli, Jadon Sancho and Lingard came on to try and wake the side from its post-goal slumber, but the atmosphere was now as flat as the football.

There were barely any flickers of life until Gomez’s long throw caused mayhem 12 minutes from time.

Kalinic managed to get something on Kane’s prodded effort at the far post, but Lingard latched onto the loose ball to turn home from a yard out.

It nearly counted for nothing as Croatia defender Vida was allowed to head on goal, with goalscorer Lingard clearing off the line – a moment that England capitalised on in the 85th minute.

Chilwell’s free-kick from the left skipped off the turf and Kane was there to direct home from close range to secure a comeback that will live long in the memory.