England takes on Croatia on Wednesday in the second World Cup semifinal, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s big game against France. Both teams have fought their way valiantly to this point, even getting through penalty shootouts to advance. After winning Group D, Croatia beat Denmark and Russia in penalty kicks to get to this point, while England knocked out Colombia in the round of 16 in penalties before taking down Sweden in the quarterfinals.
The teams aren’t facing any major injuries to stars, but a few that would make an impact. Sime Vrsaljko is out with an injury, while goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and defender Dejan Lovren missed training earlier in the week but should play. England, meanwhile, is expected to have Jordan Henderson healthy.
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England’s campaign can be defined in one line – It’s coming home! The Three Lions are confident, and why shouldn’t they be? They are in the semifinals for the first time since 1990. Gareth Southgate is being hailed as a national waistcoat-wearing hero after an unexpectedly successful campaign.
Croatia, on the other hand, did not have easy wins this World Cup. They had to go through the extra time and penalties in both knockout matches against Denmark and Russia but emerged successful in the end to reach the semifinals. Keeping that in mind, their fitness level would be a big point of consideration especially if the game once again goes the distance.
Possible line-ups
Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic.
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane
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