History calls for England and Croatia on Wednesday as they go head-to-head at the Luzhniki Stadium for a place in the World Cup final. The Three Lions are hoping to bring home a trophy they last won way back in 1966, while their opponents are aiming to reach the final for the first time ever.
Overview
This is a FIFA World Cup semi-final decades in the making. Both sides have waited patiently for their turn, each experiencing heartbreak in prior editions since they last appeared in the final four. Croatia have ‘only’ had to wait 20 years (semi-finalists at France 1998), while England last reached the semi-final stage 28 years ago at Italy 1990.
Indeed, this first World Cup meeting between the pair will have a historic outcome. Croatia were defeated by hosts France back in 1998, meaning they have never reached a World Cup Final, while the Three Lions have only reached the Final once before, when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy more than half-a-century ago – on home soil in 1966. If both coaches are honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 started, they would not have anticipated reaching this stage.
But both sides have certainly earned their place with valiant performances. Croatia have endured two gruelling 120-minute epics, with nerve-shredding penalty shootout wins in the knockout rounds so far against Denmark and the hosts. England overcame their own penalty hex in the Round of 16 against Colombia, winning a first World Cup shootout at the fourth time of asking before defeating Sweden in the last eight. History beckons for both these sides, who have big-name and big-game players amongst their ranks.
Historical Match Record
Their last meeting at a major tournament was in Euro 2004, where England ran out 4-2 winners. Scorers that day were Wayne Rooney, who grabbed a brace, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard. Other than this meeting, all the other games between the sides have been in qualifying games or friendlies. Of the seven clashes, four have been won by England, two by Croatia and there has been just one draw.
Current Team News
Jordan Henderson is expected to start despite previously complaining of a tight hamstring, while Jamie Vardy is still a doubt following the groin injury he sustained against Colombia.
Sime Vrsaljko has been ruled out after sustaining an injury against Russia, although goalkeeper Danijel Subasic should be fit to play despite tweaking his hamstring in that match.
Match Prediction
This one is too close to call, so we think it will come down to penalties. Both sides have reason to be confident, but England may just have the upper hand with their superior threat from set-pieces. England have scored one more goal than Croatia so far, but have also kept one fewer clean sheet. It will end in 2-2 scoreline in full time. But Croatia will come out tops at the penalties.
Possible Line-Up
Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.