Croatia vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 10/07/2018

Croatia vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

July 11, 2018 19:00pm - Luzhniki Stadium

World Cup Russia 2018 - Semi-final

A surprise World Cup semi-final pairing awaits on Wednesday as 20th ranked Croatia take on 12th ranked England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Croatia last reached this stage in 1998 while England haven`t made the last four since Italia 90.

Croatia arrive here on the back of an epic quarter-final clash against Russia which went all the way to a penalty shootout following after a 2-2 draw after extra time. They started that game as clear favourites but were matched all the way by the hosts. That was their second penalty shootout in a row and they might just feel the effects of that heading into this game.

England had a much easier ride in the last round, cruising to a 2-0 win over Sweden. Their opponents did create a couple of good chances but the result never really looked in doubt once Harry Maguire gave them the lead on the half hour mark.

Jordan Pickford continued his good form to ensure there were no nervy moments late on as Sweden threatened to pull a goal back. On balance, England should arrive here fresher having played their game earlier and got it wrapped up in 90 minutes.

This game will be a battle of possession raising the prospect of an open and flowing game. However, England have the edge when it comes to set pieces and will look to take advantage of such situations when they arise. They have already netted five times from dead ball situations with Harry Maguire often the target from corners.

Croatia predicted starting XI:

Subasic, Corluka, Lovren, Vida, Strinic, Modric, Rakitic, Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic, Mandzukic

England predicted starting XI:

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Young, Henderson, Alli, Lingard, Sterling, Kane

Recent Form (All comps)

Croatia: DDWWW

England: WDLWW

Betting odds and tips

Harry Kane will continue his quest for the Golden Boot and could be worth backing in the Anytime Goal Scorer market. He has netted in seven of his last eight appearance for Gareth Southgate`s men.

England will arrive here fresher and could cause Croatia plenty of problem from set pieces. As a result, England should edge their way into the final.

You can back Harry Kane to score anytime at 5/4 and England to progress at 8/13.

By Neil Morris