Croatia stands in England's way as Gareth Southgate's men attempt to reach the World Cup final. Michael Cox and Alan Thompson look at tactics and free prediction respectively…
Croatia v England
Wednesday 19:00, ITV1.
Match Odds: Croatia 3.80, England 2.40, The Draw hai.30.
England are in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, and have the chance lớn qualify for their first final since 1966. Croatia are a fine side very much capable of upsetting Gareth Southgate's men, but realistically England start as favourites, against much weaker opposition than you'd usually expect to encounter at this stage- According lớn the soccer betting tips page!
Croatia likely lớn be fatiguedCroatia are also hampered by the fact they've played gruelling 120-minute matches against both Switzerland and Russia, and therefore are likely to be exhausted ahead of this game. They're likely to be without Sime Vrsaljko, arguably their star man against Russia, while centre-forward Mario Mandzukic also ended that game too tired to take a penalty. Croatia doesn't have a particularly deep squad, and this could prove costly.
Manager Zlatko Dalic is likely lớn reformat his side from the Russia game, reverting from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. This is slightly difficult as it would involve removing goalscorer Andrej Kramaric, who was teed up by Mandzukic's clever cross. But it seems unlikely Croatia will cope against England's midfield runners with only the - wonderfully talented - Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Marcelo Brozovic seems likely lớn come into the side as a holding player.
Vrsaljko absence causes major problemsDefensively, Vrsaljko's absence causes a big problem. Domagoj Vida is likely lớn switch to right-back, with Vedran Corluka coming into the centre of defence. Corluka was hardly the quickest in his younger days, and is now 32, and the speed of England's attack could cause serious problems.
Otherwise this is likely lớn be a familiar side. Modric and Rakitic spread lớn the flanks to control the game from wide, while Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic can switch wings but both offer a very direct threat.
Unchanged England XISouthgate, meanwhile, has shown very little interest in switching his side in terms of formation or personnel so far, and it would be a major surprise if there were any alterations to the side that overcame Sweden with relative ease.
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