Big stage awaits another Henderson, Modric clash
Midfielders square off after title tilt in Champions League, writes Kurtis Larson.
I’ve played against Modric a few times. He’s a worldclass player; probably one of the best I’ve played against.
England’s Jordan ST. PETERSBURG Henderson could end up being one of the best in the world at his position.
On Wednesday, though, he’s facing someone who already is.
The steely Liverpool midfielder’s performance against Croatia’s Luka Modric could go a long way in deciding this semifinal.
“I can’t tell you our plan, but the players you’ve mentioned (Modric and Ivan Rakitic) are fantastic players,” Henderson said ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
“I’ve played against Modric a few times. He’s a world-class player; probably one of the best I’ve played against. Hopefully he’s quiet tomorrow. We’ll do our best to try and keep him quiet.”
England coach Gareth Southgate offered his own abridged analysis of a Croatian side that began this tournament as a dark horse, but now is even money to reach Sunday’s final against France.
“We know Croatia like to build possession,” Southgate said. “Their midfield players like to drop deep and receive the ball. They have exciting wingers who have speed to get in behind you. They have an obvious threat from crosses, which we’ll have to deal with.
“We know the quality of midfield players and their ability to pick passes out and score from distance if we allow them to shoot. We’re very clear on the strength of the Croatian team. There’s some big-match experience in that team as well.”
Henderson and Modric met in May’s UEFA Champions League final with Modric and Real Madrid beating Henderson and Liverpool 3-1.
ALL THE TROPHIES
The Three Lions are on the cusp of holding all three men’s titles after winning the under-17 and under-20 World Cups last summer.
“I’ve watched (England’s) younger age groups at the previous tournaments,” Henderson said. “There are fantastic players coming through. It’s an exciting time for English football.
“Hopefully they can continue to grow and learn and do it on the biggest stage in the World Cup.
“If you look at our squad, it’s very young … I just hope we can use this experience to keep going, keep improving and win some trophies along the way.”
Before taking over the senior team, Southgate was in charge of England’s under-21 side while helping to rebuild a program many thought had fallen behind the big teams around the globe.
“To have seen our younger teams have success has been hugely rewarding,” Southgate said.
“Our academies at club level are producing technically good players. We’ve made a lot of changes with the national teams, too many to highlight.”
With an average age of 26, England brought the second-youngest squad to this World Cup after Nigeria (25.9)
“The experiences over the last few weeks … will be a great reference point moving forward,” Southgate said. “The more big games we’re involved in, the more pressure situations they’re involved in and they come out successful, the more belief it will build.”
WAISTCOAT MADNESS
England fans have been vastly outnumbered at this World Cup after warnings they’d be targeted by Russian hooligans.
But a spirited run to the semifinals has reportedly spurred supporters to descend on Moscow.
What’s more, fans at home have planned “Waistcoat Wednesday” to support coach Gareth Southgate, who’s regarded as one of the best-dressed managers at this World Cup.
“We are really proud of the support we’re receiving,” Southgate said. “We’ve had the chance to make a difference. Our supporters have had a long time of suffering.
“(Our players) have been brilliant ambassadors for our country. They’re proud to wear the shirt. It’s great they have some enjoyable moments now playing football.”
Southgate added England’s success has provided a lift following the country’s political divide over Brexit.
“Football has the power to do that,” he said. “We can feel the energy and support from home. It’s a special feeling. It’s a privilege for us.”
IT’S ‘COMING HOME’
You won’t hear Southgate utter those words unless England is rolling atop a double-decker bus while carrying a trophy a week from now in London.
“Football’s Coming Home is a song I couldn’t even listen to for 20 years,” the ex-England international said.
Southgate missed a penalty in a 1996 European semifinal loss to Germany the year Football’s Coming Home was released to mark England’s hosting of the event.
“For me it has a slightly different feel,” he added. “But it’s nice to hear people playing it again.”
‘DISGUSTING’ ABUSE
Raheem Sterling ’s inclusion on England’s World Cup roster sparked debate for this tournament. Unsurprisingly, that debate has carried over into July after the 23-year-old Manchester City attacker squandered multiple chances in a quarter-final win over Sweden.
But the online vitriol has been too much for one pundit.
Ex-England international turned I TV pundit Gary Neville said the abuse Sterling receives is “absolutely disgusting.”
Southgate didn’t go that far ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Croatia, but he agreed Sterling has been one of England’s best attacking players despite not finding a goal at this tournament.
“If you look at all of our attacking patterns and the way we’ve combined and played, he has been instrumental,” Southgate said of Sterling.