Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has said that his team will have to be wary of the 'really fast and really dangerous' Raheem Sterling in Wednesday's 2018 World Cup semi-final with England.
The nation booked their spot in the final four by overcoming tournament hosts Russia, while England beat Sweden to make their first World Cup semi-final for 28 years.
Sterling has been criticised for his performances at this summer's tournament, although the likes of Gary Neville, David Beckham and Sir Geoff Hurst have all defended the Manchester City attacker since England's victory over Sweden.
Dalic has branded the 23-year-old "an important player" ahead of Wednesday's last-four clash in Moscow.
"I think Raheem Sterling is an important player because he is really fast and his combination with Harry Kane is really dangerous," Dalic told reporters.
The winner of Croatia's clash with England will take on either Belgium or France in next weekend's final.