The grounds at Wimbledon were sparsely populated as England attempted to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

Two men’s quarter-finals were still in progress on the main show courts as the Three Lions took on Croatia in their Moscow semi-final.

Centre Court was still busy for a five-set thriller between Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro, but there were thousands of empty seats on Court One where John Isner and Milos Raonic were playing.

With two important matches still in action on a warm evening, Henman Hill would usually still be busy late on, but that was far from the case this time.

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Nine – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Rafael Nadal celebrates as Centre Court still drew in the crowds (Nigel French/PA)

However, there was no obvious major reaction to the Three Lions taking an early lead in their match.

One man shouted “Come on England” on Centre Court soon after Kieran Trippier scored, but there was otherwise little celebration.

Wimbledon chiefs once again stuck to their guns, refusing to show the football on the big screen in front of the hill.

There were several people keeping up with action on their phones, with one woman kitted out in England attire watching on a bench while waiting for Martina Navratilova to play her women’s invitational doubles match on Court Three.