Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic has insisted that his team deserved to overcome England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup on Wednesday night having performed "like lions".

Mandzukic scored the decisive goal in extra-time as Croatia recorded a 2-1 victory in Moscow to ensure that they would march into Sunday's final with France.

The Juventus forward has said that it was "a miracle" for his team to "fight back from a goal down" to turn things around in the last-four clash.

"This is a miracle. Only great teams can be as brave as we were and fight back from a goal down against teams like England," Mandzukic told reporters.

"We've played our hearts out throughout the tournament. I am happy with my performances so far but I am here for the team. We were like lions out there tonight and we will be the same in the final."

Mandzukic has now scored 32 times in 88 appearances for his nation.