Luka Modric: 'Playing England in World Cup semi-final will be special'

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has said that he is relishing the prospect of facing England for a place in the World Cup final.

The 32-year-old has started all five of his side's games on their run to the last four, doing enough to find himself in contention for the Golden Ball award.

After being taken to extra time and penalties by Denmark and Russia in their two knockout games, however, Modric admits that England may have an advantage in Wednesday evening's tie at the Luzhniki Stadium.

"Always playing England is special," he told reporters. "They're a great team, doing a great tournament so far, like us. They're suffering less, but showed against Sweden the great quality they have and we're expecting a tough match - but we will be ready."

Croatia have had eight different scorers at the 2018 World Cup, including Modric, with Belgium (9) the only team to boast more.