Numbers game has England in front

CROATIA’S population may pale in comparison but superstar Luka Modric declared they were carrying as much pressure as England to reach the Russia 2018 final.

World Cup stars on either side will be given until the last minute to prove their fitness ahead of the Luzhniki Stadium showdown, with both teams set to lift the training intensity today after barely getting out of first gear since Sunday.

England holds a special place in world soccer history, while Croatia only won independence in 1991.

Despite a population of 4.1 million, Croatia has qualified for 10 of 12 major tournaments with a second semi-final effort to go along with their maiden 1998 World Cup appearance.

“With England there’s always pressure. Same with us – pressure on both teams to reach the final. Maybe a bit more on them,’’ Modric said.

“But we also have pressure, and we want to take that pressure and we know what Croatia is expecting from us. More important, what we are expecting from (ourselves).

“They’re looking strong as a team, they have this togetherness which is very important to success.”

Tottenham’s Eric Dier is on standby if Jordan Henderson (hamstring) fails a fitness test, with Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy (groin) also under a cloud.

Atletico Madrid right-back Sime Vrsaljko (knee) was one of the casualties of Croatia’s second extra-time outing in as many games, limping off in the 97th minute of the win over Russia.

Croatia’s Danijel Subasic (Monaco), who’s been one of the top shot-stoppers with four saves in the two shoot-out wins, has been rehabilitating his hamstring after cramping up late in the quarter-final win but is expected to start. KICK-OFF: England v Croatia, tomorrow, 4am