The England men’s football team are just one win away from their first World Cup final since 1966. However, they will come up against the topper of Group D, Croatia in the Croatia vs England clash. The Croats have made it to the semi-final and how! in the knock out stages they had to rely on the depth of squad and heroics of their keeper as both the match not only went in Extra time but penalties edging opponent by goal each time.[spacer height=”30px”] 3d1756
We have beaten Croatia before …. let's do it again !!!! Good luck @england #EngCro #Memories #HatTrick pic.twitter.com/pHksuapzkL
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) July 11, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]Both the Europen teams have waited a long time for this stage as Croatia reached semis in 1998, while England last reached the semi-final stage 28 years ago at Italy 1990. However this will be first Croatia vs England meeting between the two teams in World Cup having met in qualifiers almost a decade back. The English side have upper hand with 3 wins against 2 wins by Croats with one match being a goalless draw between sides.[spacer height=”30px”]
Gareth Southgate’s men were second in group after outing against Sweden by winning 2-0. Hence, the Englishmen will have more fresh players than their Croatian counterpart which may prove decisive if the Croatia vs England game heads into extra time.[spacer height=”30px”]
#ENG #ENG #ENG
Gareth Southgate says @England’s semi-final against Croatia is an opportunity to make history…Will the Three Lions reach their first #WorldCupFinal since 1966?#CROENG pic.twitter.com/sPEQVywNnH
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 11, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]The highlight of the Croatia vs England match will be how Modric and co stop the threat of Harry Kane, who has been highest scorer in tournament, after successfully managing to keep Messi quiet in league stage. England will have same side going into semis while Croatia may have two changes with keeper Subasic and Sime Vrsaljko suffering from strains during match against Russia.[spacer height=”30px”]
Key Players to watch out for in Croatia vs England :[spacer height=”30px”] 236t2
Croatia[spacer height=”30px”] 4jb17
Luka Modric[spacer height=”30px”] 6z3b50
The Croatian captain has been in prolific form in this World Cup. Although he started as CAM in initial stages, since knockouts he has been playing as CDM and has been enforcer in the field.[spacer height=”30px”]
The ing accuracy and vision has been second to none and has played major role in forming attack along with Ivan Rakitic thus scoring 2 goals while also assisting one.[spacer height=”30px”]
Ivan Rakitic[spacer height=”30px”] 64375c
Rakitic has been icy cool throughout the tournament. So far he has been entrusted twice with last penalty in shoot-out and he has delivered with aplomb helping them reach quarter first and then semis.[spacer height=”30px”]
So far the Barcelona player has covered almost 50 Kms in 5 matches that he has played scoring a goal while completing 240 es. Together with Modric and Brozovic , Rakitic has dominated midfield in all the matches they have played and would be expected to do the same in semi-final for Croatia vs England.[spacer height=”30px”]
The big questions for Gareth Southgate ahead of England against Croatia:
➡️How to win the midfield battle
➡️How to stop Mandzukic in the air
➡️Can Kane get the better of Lovren again?https://t.co/EnQZxC1LMW pic.twitter.com/I0lsLDNZHF— Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 11, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]England[spacer height=”30px”] fm2c
Harry Kane[spacer height=”30px”] w3167
The English captain has undoubtedly led from front in this World Cup. Inspite missing a match due to his wedding, Kane has scored 6 goals in tournament making him highest scorer in the Cup and will look to continue the same in the Croatia vs England game.[spacer height=”30px”]
Tottenham’s 24-year-old striker has good pace and is a typical goal-poacher. However, when things have been tough for England, he has dropped deep to create attacks and has been influential with his ing and creating goal scoring opportunities for his teammates.[spacer height=”30px”]
Jordan Pickford[spacer height=”30px”] 6d662h
The 24-year-old Keeper has been a revelation in the World Cup. Despite being just 6 feet tall, he has a big reach due to his supreme agility and is confident in claiming or punching away crosses.[spacer height=”30px”]
Mario Mandzukic insists Croatia can score past England's Jordan Pickford https://t.co/mSbhscM5Fd pic.twitter.com/YxQ4eGy52F
— CleanSheet ⚽🏟️🥅 (@Cleansheet) July 10, 2018
[spacer height=”30px”]The keeper has been a surprise pick ahead of Jack Butland and the Croatia vs England semi-final would be just his 9th appearance for The Three Lions. However, he has made the place his own in tournament by conceding just 4 goals in 5 matches while keeping a clean sheet in quarter finals.[spacer height=”30px”]
The keeper also created history when he became first English keeper to win match in World Cup history, thus the English ers would like him to repeat his feat should the Croatia vs England match go in Penalties.[spacer height=”30px”]
