2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Preview: Croatia v England
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Preview: Croatia v England
- Second semi-final takes place on 11 July at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium
- Croatia defeated hosts on penalties, England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach final four
- THE LATEST: #CROENG LIVE BLOG updating now
This is a FIFA World Cup™ semi-final decades in the making. Both sides have waited patiently for their turn, each experiencing heartbreak in prior editions since they last appeared in the final four. Croatia have ‘only’ had to wait 20 years (semi-finalists at France 1998), while England last reached the semi-final stage 28 years ago at Italy 1990.
Indeed, this first World Cup meeting between the pair will have a historic outcome. Croatia were defeated by hosts France back in 1998, meaning they have never reached a World Cup Final, while the Three Lions have only reached the Final once before, when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy more than half-a-century ago – on home soil in 1966.
If both coaches are honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 started, they would not have anticipated reaching this stage. But both sides have certainly earned their place with valiant performances. Croatia have endured two gruelling 120-minute epics, with nerve-shredding penalty shootout wins in the knockout rounds so far against Denmark and the hosts. England overcame their own penalty hex in the Round of 16 against Colombia, winning a first World Cup shootout at the fourth time of asking before defeating Sweden in the last eight.
History beckons for both these sides, who have big-name and big-game players amongst their ranks.
Croatia players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Croatia players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Sergey Ignashevich, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Erokhin, Ilya Kutepov and Fedor Smolov of Russia walk away dejected
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Sergey Ignashevich, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Erokhin, Ilya Kutepov and Fedor Smolov of Russia walk away dejected after the second Croatia goal scored by Domagoj Vida (not pictured) during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ante Rebic of Croatia is tackled by Roman Zobnin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Ante Rebic of Croatia is tackled by Roman Zobnin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Dejan Lovren of Croatia wins a header overIlya Kutepov of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Dejan Lovren of Croatia wins a header overIlya Kutepov of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia is challenged by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia is challenged by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Stanislav Cherchesov, Head Coach of Russia speaks with Daler Kuziaev of Russia before extra time
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Stanislav Cherchesov, Head Coach of Russia speaks with Daler Kuziaev of Russia before extra time during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia challenges Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia challenges Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia is tackled by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia is tackled by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia walks with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia wins a header
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia wins a header during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Denis Cheryshev of Russia competes for the ball with Domagoj Vida of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia competes for the ball with Domagoj Vida of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates with team mates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Andrej Kramaric of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Andrej Kramaric of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Fernandes of Russia controls the ball under pressure from Ivan Perisic of Croatia and Luka Modric of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Mario Fernandes of Russia controls the ball under pressure from Ivan Perisic of Croatia and Luka Modric of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Artem Dzyuba of Russia is challenged by Ivan Rakitic of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Artem Dzyuba of Russia is challenged by Ivan Rakitic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia battles for possession with Roman Zobnin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia battles for possession with Roman Zobnin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia challenges Daler Kuziaev of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia challenges Daler Kuziaev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the stadium as teams line up
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: General view inside the stadium as teams line up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Croatia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Russia players warm up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on as players warm up
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on as players warm up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Russia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General View inside the Russia dressing room
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: General View inside the Russia dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Alexandr Samedovof Russia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Alexandr Samedovof Russia looks on during pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ante Rebic of Croatia arrives at the stadium
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Ante Rebic of Croatia arrives at the stadium prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Team reporter analysis
Vjekoslav Paun with Croatia [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
Croatia believe they can deal with Harry Kane after ‘stopping Messi’ in the group stages. Zlatko Dalic undoubtedly believes in his team, but how much more energy do his players have left? The Vatreni have played 240 minutes in six days and exhausted players pose the biggest problem for the Croatia coach. Also, his side have scored nine goals so far, with eight different goalscorers contributing. That is great for Dalic, but the coach is undoubtedly looking for a greater contribution from his forwards.
Laure James with England [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
The Croatian camp are unlikely to be surprised by Gareth Southgate’s team selection, with no reported injury concerns and a consistent starting XI. England have shown they can adapt to the different styles of play they’ve faced in Russia 2018 so far and this time they’ll focus on containing and overcoming Croatia’s dangerous midfield. It might be a tighter, more closed contest than England would like, yet they wriggled free from Sweden’s attempts to restrict them and will stay faithful to their own system.
Did you know?
Almost three-quarters of England’s Russia 2018 squad (17/23) were not yet born the last time England appeared in the semi-finals (4 July 1990), with Danny Rose born just one day after England’s quarter-final victory against Cameroon at Italy 1990. Croatia’s youngest player in their Russia 2018 squad – Duje Caleta-Car – was just 1 year, 9 months old when Croatia last appeared in the final four (8 July 1998).
Possible line-ups
Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
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Second semi-final takes place on 11 July at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium
Croatia defeated hosts on penalties, England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach final four
THE LATEST: #CROENG LIVE BLOG updating now
This is a FIFA World Cup™ semi-final decades in the making. Both sides have wai...
- Second semi-final takes place on 11 July at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium
- Croatia defeated hosts on penalties, England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach final four
- THE LATEST: #CROENG LIVE BLOG updating now
This is a FIFA World Cup™ semi-final decades in the making. Both sides have waited patiently for their turn, each experiencing heartbreak in prior editions since they last appeared in the final four. Croatia have 'only' had to wait 20 years (semi-finalists at France 1998), while England last reached the semi-final stage 28 years ago at Italy 1990.
Indeed, this first World Cup meeting between the pair will have a historic outcome. Croatia were defeated by hosts France back in 1998, meaning they have never reached a World Cup Final, while the Three Lions have only reached the Final once before, when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy more than half-a-century ago - on home soil in 1966.
If both coaches are honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 started, they would not have anticipated reaching this stage. But both sides have certainly earned their place with valiant performances. Croatia have endured two gruelling 120-minute epics, with nerve-shredding penalty shootout wins in the knockout rounds so far against Denmark and the hosts. England overcame their own penalty hex in the Round of 16 against Colombia, winning a first World Cup shootout at the fourth time of asking before defeating Sweden in the last eight.
History beckons for both these sides, who have big-name and big-game players amongst their ranks.
Croatia players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Croatia players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Sergey Ignashevich, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Erokhin, Ilya Kutepov and Fedor Smolov of Russia walk away dejected
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Sergey Ignashevich, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Erokhin, Ilya Kutepov and Fedor Smolov of Russia walk away dejected after the second Croatia goal scored by Domagoj Vida (not pictured) during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ante Rebic of Croatia is tackled by Roman Zobnin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Ante Rebic of Croatia is tackled by Roman Zobnin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Dejan Lovren of Croatia wins a header overIlya Kutepov of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Dejan Lovren of Croatia wins a header overIlya Kutepov of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia is challenged by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia is challenged by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Stanislav Cherchesov, Head Coach of Russia speaks with Daler Kuziaev of Russia before extra time
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Stanislav Cherchesov, Head Coach of Russia speaks with Daler Kuziaev of Russia before extra time during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia challenges Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia challenges Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Strinic of Croatia is tackled by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Ivan Strinic of Croatia is tackled by Aleksandr Golovin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia walks with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia wins a header
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia wins a header during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Denis Cheryshev of Russia competes for the ball with Domagoj Vida of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia competes for the ball with Domagoj Vida of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Andrej Kramaric of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's first goal
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Andrej Kramaric of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Fernandes of Russia controls the ball under pressure from Ivan Perisic of Croatia and Luka Modric of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Mario Fernandes of Russia controls the ball under pressure from Ivan Perisic of Croatia and Luka Modric of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Artem Dzyuba of Russia is challenged by Ivan Rakitic of Croatia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Artem Dzyuba of Russia is challenged by Ivan Rakitic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia battles for possession with Roman Zobnin of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia battles for possession with Roman Zobnin of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia challenges Daler Kuziaev of Russia
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia challenges Daler Kuziaev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the stadium as teams line up
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: General view inside the stadium as teams line up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Croatia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Russia players warm up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on as players warm up
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on as players warm up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Russia fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General View inside the Russia dressing room
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: General View inside the Russia dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Alexandr Samedovof Russia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Alexandr Samedovof Russia looks on during pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ante Rebic of Croatia arrives at the stadium
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Ante Rebic of Croatia arrives at the stadium prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia looks on
07 Jul 2018
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Team reporter analysis
Vjekoslav Paun with Croatia [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
Croatia believe they can deal with Harry Kane after 'stopping Messi' in the group stages. Zlatko Dalic undoubtedly believes in his team, but how much more energy do his players have left? The Vatreni have played 240 minutes in six days and exhausted players pose the biggest problem for the Croatia coach. Also, his side have scored nine goals so far, with eight different goalscorers contributing. That is great for Dalic, but the coach is undoubtedly looking for a greater contribution from his forwards.
Laure James with England [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
The Croatian camp are unlikely to be surprised by Gareth Southgate's team selection, with no reported injury concerns and a consistent starting XI. England have shown they can adapt to the different styles of play they've faced in Russia 2018 so far and this time they'll focus on containing and overcoming Croatia's dangerous midfield. It might be a tighter, more closed contest than England would like, yet they wriggled free from Sweden's attempts to restrict them and will stay faithful to their own system.
Did you know?
Almost three-quarters of England's Russia 2018 squad (17/23) were not yet born the last time England appeared in the semi-finals (4 July 1990), with Danny Rose born just one day after England's quarter-final victory against Cameroon at Italy 1990. Croatia's youngest player in their Russia 2018 squad - Duje Caleta-Car - was just 1 year, 9 months old when Croatia last appeared in the final four (8 July 1998).
Possible line-ups
Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
Join In!
Our Russia 2018 Fan Zone gives you access to World Cup games, contests and prizes. Play Fantasy, Predict Matches, Explore our Fan Movement, Collect Panini stickers and vote for World Cup awards.
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