Mix up tactics to stop Modric and Rakitic

Croatia’s biggest strength is the combination of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in central midfield. It is probably the finest in the competition and everything flows through them. England know they have to stop them playing but that is easier said than done. One simple way is for either Jesse Lingard or Dele Alli to work in tandem with Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool man can only cover so much ground and he will need one of the more advanced players to drop in and pick up either Modric or Rakitic. The alternative is for England to get the ball forward quickly and look for second balls and knock-downs. Modric and Rakitic like to push on, which leaves space in front of their back four for just this type of situation – something Russia exploited excellently for their first goal on Saturday.

If you show a willingness to go long early then one of them will have to sit a little deeper to guard against this threat – negating their attacking opportunities. While England will look to play their short passing game where possible, a few long balls thrown into the mix could keep Croatia’s danger men quiet.

If Jordan Henderson goes long to Harry Kane (1) and he finds either Jesse Lingard or Dele Alli (2) that will force either Luka Modric or Ivan Rakitic to drop deep, reducing their chances of making an impact in attack.