Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions

Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions

Since both sides last appeared in the final four, they have patiently waited for their turn and this is a FIFA World Cup semi-final decades in the making. Both teams have experienced heartbreak in prior editions of the final fours. 20 years of wait were destined for Croatia since being in the semi-finals at France 1998, while England last reached the semi-final stage ‘only’ 28 years ago at Italy 1990.

We have a feeling that this first World Cup meeting between Croatia and England will have a historic outcome. Back in 1998, Croatia was defeated by hosts France, meaning that they have never reached a World Cup Final. England has only reached the Final once before, more than half-a-century ago on home soil in 1066 when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy.

With valiant performances, both sides have certainly earned their place, and if coaches are being honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 they would not have anticipated reaching this stage.

A nerve-shredding penalty shootout win in the knockout round had Croatia in the match against Denmark, and the Croatian team has endured two grueling 120-minute epics. By overcoming their own penalty hex in the Round of 16, England won the match against Colombia. They won a first World Cup shootout at the fourth time of asking before defeating Sweden in the last eight.

Both teams, who have big-name and big-game players amongst their ranks, history beckons for both these sides.

Possible line-ups:

Croatia: Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Mario Mandzukic, Danijel Subasic.

England: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford.

Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions Betting Tips 1×2, Over/ Under & BTTS