Croatia stand between England and the World Cup final.Zlatko Dalic’s side defeated hosts Russia in a gruelling 120 minutes of action on Saturday evening.It sets up a showdown in Moscow against England, who beat Sweden 2-0 earlier in the day.The semi-final will be played on Wednesday and it promises to be an enthralling affair.Croatia may be blessed with the talents of Luka Modric - arguably the finest midfielder in the world - and Ivan Rakitic, but is there any reason for England to be genuinely fearful?Gareth Southgate has imbued a confidence within his young players that will lead them to believe that anything is possible.It’s been 52 years of hurt - but England are close to breaking that barren run.

Rakitic discusses England match

Rakitic was the hero against Russia, converting the winning penalty just as he did in the round-of-16 shootout win over Denmark.

The Barcelona midfielder showed his class when asked about the prospect of facing England in the semi-final, highlighting what it means to face the country where football began.

Rakitic will put those thoughts to one side on Wednesday evening.

Croatia have lived up to their reputation as one of the dark horses in Russia, impressing in the group stage by winning all three matches before knocking Denmark and Russia out.

This is an opportunity to go one step further than Croatia reached at the 1998 World Cup, where a team managed by Miroslav Blazevic and including Slaven Bilic and Davor Suker reached the semi-final.

Their tournament ended in disappointment that time around, with eventual winners France knocking them out.

Rakitic’s teammate Dejan Lovren, who is no stranger to the England squad, also spoke glowingly about Southgate’s side.

“The English side are great and for that reason we have to show even more than we’ve already signed,” the Liverpool defender said. 

“We know we can do better. We know that we’re facing England for a place in the final and now we want to win the trophy.” 

May the best team win.