CARLOS

what a feeling. You know you’ve finished a job and proved your quality.

Then you go home to your country and see everyone in the street, celebrating and thanking you, which is emotional.

It shows that football can lift a nation, no matter the political situation.

I’m expecting a tight game today.

World Cup finals don’t tend to be thrillers, and both of these teams have been controlled rather than spectacular en route to the final.

France are in a great moment and their forwards will test Croatia.

I have been especially impressed by Kylian Mbappe. He’s a young guy, but he has demonstrated his ability in Russia.

He seems to be getting better with every game and is going to be one of the best in the world if he continues like this – that said, Croatia are my favourites in Moscow.

For a start, they have Luka Modric, a player I adore. He’s from another planet, and has never looked so fit and confident.

I see a lot of him a lot at Real Madrid, who are so lucky to have him.

Modric is a massive player for Croatia and I hope he can finish the summer on a high.

But their team spirit is also amazing: they dug deep against England and never know when they’re beaten – that’s a useful trait in games like this.

Players from both sides should enjoy it, because the whole world is watching.

Both sides deserve to be there, and I’m hoping for a gripping game. May the best team win.

Interview: JACK LANG

@jacklang