Gareth Southgate has named his team for England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia – the country’s first in the competition since 1990.
As anticipated, Southgate has kept faith with the same side that edged past Colombia in the last 16 and Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Raheem Sterling retains his place in the side despite criticism for failing to score against Sweden, while Jordan Henderson has overcome a hamstring niggle.
Dele Alli, who has struggled with a thigh problem this tournament, was taken off 15 minutes before the end against Sweden and England’s extra freshness could be a factor this evening.
For Croatia, Sime Vrsaljko has overcome his knee injury sustained against Russia in the quarter-final and starts at right-back with Domagoj Vida remaining in the middle.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has also opted to stiffen his midfield and sacrifice one of his offensive players with Marcelo Brozovic replacing Andrej Kramaric in the line-up.
How England lineup
What’s been said?
Gareth Southgate on being ‘ambassadors’ for the country: “We’re really proud of the support we’re receiving. We’ve had the chance to make a difference. Our supporters, our country has had a long time of suffering in terms of football.
“The enthusiasm they have for these players, not only because of the way they’ve played but how they’ve conducted themselves. They’ve been brilliant ambassadors for our country, everybody can see they are proud to wear the shirt. It’s great for them that they’ve got some enjoyable experiences now playing for England.
“Our country has been through some difficult moments recently in terms of its unity, and sport has the power to [unite]. Football in particular has the power to do that. We can feel the energy and feel support from home and it’s a very special feeling, a privilege.”
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Dejan Lovren on Croatia being ready: “We’ve played five difficult games and I know they are tired but there can’t be any excuses.
“We do not want to say we are exhausted, because there are still plenty of opportunities to exhaust ourselves. Of course, it’s not the same if you play two 90min matches and two 120min matches, but I still believe we have had ample time to recover and we are professional enough to know who needs what with what kind of recovery.
“For me, I know I’m ready, and I can say the same for my teammates. We know what’s at stake and at such moments you forget fatigue you may feel because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity — it may never repeat itself again.”
More on England v Croatia:
This England side are uniting the nation in a way no politician could do
England v Croatia: Head-to-head record and previous meetings
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