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World Cup semi-final: Croatia vs. England starting XIs, predictions, betting odds, TV
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions face the biggest match of their careers
The Three Lions, who have not won the World Cup since 1966 or reached the semi-finals since 1990, face a talented Croatia team led by “the best midfielder in the world” Luka Modric, the BBC reports.
On their way to the semi-final Gareth Southgate’s squad have beaten Colombia in the last 16 (on penalties) and Sweden in the quarter-final, but Wednesday’s fixture will no doubt be the biggest game of the England players’ careers.
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Croatia reached the semi-final after penalty shoot-out victories against Denmark in the last 16 and host nation Russia in the quarters.
The winners will play France in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Croatia vs. England starting XIs
Croatia vs. England predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “I just have a feeling that England will find a way to win. Sometimes I think these things are written - and the way this tournament has opened up for England is one of the reasons it feels like this is their time. I think their players will realise they will never ever have a better chance of getting into a World Cup final, and also of winning the thing. While England’s results have been a lot better than their performances, that is not a bad thing in a tournament like this. Prediction: Croatia 1 England 2 [after extra time].”
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The Daily Telegraph: “A close one to call but the momentum and confidence is all with Gareth Southgate’s young charges. We’re still believing it’s coming home. Prediction: England 2 Croatia 1.”
Sports Illustrated: “Croatia are a far more technically able side than Sweden and are much more level headed and mature than Colombia, suggesting that this may finally be where England’s fairytale finishes. England will still fancy their chances, especially if the pace of Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and others can stretch the game and pressure Croatian midfielders and defenders into mistakes. The fatigue of back-to-back penalty shoot-outs for Croatia could also become a factor. Prediction: Croatia 2-1 England.”
Croatia vs. England betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 10 July).
