2018 FIFA World Cup – Croatia vs England Preview

AT A GLANCE

When? Wednesday 11^th July, 19:00

Where? Luzhniki Stadium

What channel is it on? BBC

Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/football-world-cup-2018-tickets/ca2171?afl=694JWFTART&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-ubpt4g60RCE1cxEY1qD29AUk7XLBVGrSrMV_EvR_BqvkoCzBoUdigRoCvlEQAvD_BwE

THE TEAM NEWS

CROATIA

• Croatia come into this game having needed extra-time and penalties to overcome Denmark first and then hosts Russia in the quarter-finals.
• Coach Zlatko Dalic has to do without Vrsaljko who is injured so Vida will move to right-back and veteran Corluka comes into the middle.
• Kramaric came in for the Russia match to offer a more attacking look to the team but there is a chance that Brozovic returns to the side.
  

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Subasic

Vida, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic

Rakitic, Modric

Rebic, Perisic, Kramaric

Mandzukic

Unavailable: N. Kalinic

Doubtful: Vrsaljko

ENGLAND

• England reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 and there is genuine belief that they can go one further and reach the final.
  
• Coach Gareth Southgate has no injury or suspension worries for this match and will almost certainly name an unchanged side here.
• Some of the initial question marks in the team like Pickford and Sterling have shone in recent matches and are permanent fixtures now.
  

Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):

Pickford

Walker, Stones, Maguire

Trippier, Henderson, Alli, Young

Lingard, Sterling

Kane

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

This is a huge game in the history of both these nations and that could lead to a tense encounter early in the match especially. Croatia's midfield is one of the best around and England will get numbers behind the ball so there is every chance this could become a cagey game with goals at a premium.