Redictions
Modric and Ivan Rakitic’s calibre.
Modric (dodgy penalty attempts aside) has carried his Real Madrid Champions League form into the World Cup finals and remains at his peak at 32. Jordan Henderson wasn’t able to shackle the Croatian captain in the Champions League final, but will have to shut him down if England are to advance to their first World Cup final in 52 years.
Rakitic remains the ideal foil to Modric. A classic box-to-box midfielder, the Real Madrid star is a supreme passer and possessor of a powerful shot.
England kept their first clean sheet in Russia against Sweden, but Gareth Southgate’s back three will get a severe workout against Mario Mandzukic and the much-improved Ante Rebic, who could curtail Kieran Trippier’s upfield forays.
Croatia will be hoping the inspirational Danijel Subasic is fit for the semifinal – he’s been one of the best keepers in Russia.
England have struggled to score from open play in recent games, but Harry Kane is a perpetual threat. Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren and the scary Domagoj Vida hold the key to containing the England captain. - TS