Croats confident but Modric fears opening match is hardest possible

LUKA MODRIC says playing England at Wembley next Sunday is the worst possible game to kick-off Croatia’s Euro 2020 campaign.

The Real Madrid midfielder is confident his side can cause an upset by beating the Three Lions on their own patch but admits it isn’t the first game he would have chosen.

England famously lost to Modric and Co in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup but gained some revenge by beating them in the Nations League a few months later.

Now they go headto-head again and Modric said: “Our group is very tough. England, the Czech Republic and Scotland are good teams and it will not be easy to get to the second round.

“I am always optimistic but it is a very tough first round.

“Playing the opening match against England at Wembley says it all. It is a real final because starting with a defeat could leave you in a very demanding position for the second fixture, where you cannot fail if you don’t want to go home.

“It’s the worst possible game to start with and we know we cannot make any mistakes that day.”

That’s not to say

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Modric (below) believes Croatia will lose. He expects his side to reach the knockout stages and is confident they can provide Gareth Southgate’s side with another headache.

“We have to play with our style and without any pressure and if Croatia imposes its way of playing we can beat them, I’m sure of that,” he said.

“We are preparing for the matches one by one and with a lot of video sessions.

“Even if you know most of the rivals well, you can always find some aspect that you missed and can take advantage of. That’s what we hope to do.

“England have a great team, especially in attack. People like Kane, Rashford and Sterling are good enough to beat anyone. It’s going to be a very intense and competitive match.”

If Croatia can get through Group D, however, Modric believes they can repeat their giddy success in Russia three years ago, when they reached the final but lost to France.

“We believe we can do well again,” said Modric. “I see a tremendously open Euros, especially because it will be difficult for everyone dealing with all the issues of coronavirus. “Many teams can be champions, outside the usual favourites of Italy, Germany, Portugal and France.

“I don’t see a clear favourite and I do not rule out Croatia. We will give it everything.

“I feel good, too. Even though Real Madrid did not win a trophy this season, we were fighting until the end and I’m ready for the Euros.”