Pressure and fatigue factor

England play their first World Cup final in a generation against Croatia tonight.

Win and they will better the class of 1990, joining the winners of 1966 as the only other English side to reach the global showpiece. Courier Sport looks at the key issues.

Will the pressure start to tell?

One of the defining characteristics of England’s run in Russia has been their refusal to be shackled by past failures. The current generation offer respectful nods to their predecessors but little more – the penalty woes, the busted expectations and deflated dreams have thus far been kept where they belong – the past.

Fatigue factor

By the time a tournament like this one reaches its final knockings few key men could truly claim to be at peak condition. Jordan Henderson, for example, has run himself to breaking point in midfield but appears to have shaken off concerns over his starting spot. England, though, could claim a physical advantage given Croatia have been taken to extra-time and penalties in each of their knockout games.

Battle of the middle men

In Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Croatia boast one of the classiest midfield duos in the world – drawn from the training fields of Real Madrid and Barcelona. England are not expected to rejig their team in response – likely ignoring the temptation to stiffen the base with Eric Dier. That means a heavy burden on Henderson, who must act as both defensive shield and quarter-back and a big emphasis on Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard to set the tempo.

Sterling can star

No England player has divided opinion in recent years quite like Raheem Sterling. Fans have become frustrated by a goal drought stretching back to October 2015 and his finishing has been disappointing but if he can end his barren streak at the Luzhniki Stadium even his detractors might agree all is forgiven.