England dreams but Croatia is preparing to provide the biggest test of the World Cup – Football

England is dreaming of a first World Cup final since 1966, but it must first pbad Wednesday's semifinal at Luzhniki stadium against Croatia, which seems to be its most difficult test in Russia

. In England, Gareth Southgate's young team qualifies for the last four major tournaments since the Euro-96 and for the first time in the World Cup since Italy in 1990.

There is a belief that something could be different this time.

England has already won a shootout in Russia, against Colombia in the last 16 minutes. And a young, friendly team with an eminently reasonable and humble. The Southgate manager has captivated the heart of a nation

Can Southgate become the first manager to win a World Cup semifinal with England in foreign soil while he? finally trying to match Alf Ramsey 's achievements? "We were" Southgate admits to ITV, aware of the recent failures of England. "

They won only one knockout match in 16 years before coming to Russia, a 1-0 win against Ecuador at the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

"We believed in its potential, and I think that the games we have prepared, we were convinced that we would win, but there is always pressure in all these matches, so I'm really happy with the way the team has emerged and developed. "

Southgate was just the voice of reason to prevent England from getting carried away.

For all the hype around England, they still have to run into trouble. They defeated Tunisia at the opening of the tournament with a goal from Harry Kane, pushed poor Panama away, outshot Colombia on penalties and easily beat Sweden in the quarter-finals. 19659002] Their only defeat against Belgium is the final group match, in a match between two essentially reserved camps

The challenge posed by Croatia will probably be more demanding, especially as the team Zlatko Dalic is one of the best mid-field teams Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic

Modric, Real Madrid's point guard, who was in Tottenham Hotspur early in his career, at the same time that a young Kane was starting, was a source of particular inspiration.

The captain was again the man of the match in the shootout victory over Russia in Sochi this weekend.

This allowed Croatia to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in France, which was their first independent nation.

For a country with a population of just over four million, getting to the finals would be a remarkable achievement

"There is still a lot to play. England is also one of the favorites to win the World Cup and you must respect that. But we have nothing to lose, we will enjoy this game, and I hope we can write the story, "said defender Dejan Lovren of Liverpool.

Since 1998 Croatia suffered disappointments The penalties against Turkey in the quarterfinals of Euro 2008. But they are under less pressure now.

"The greatest pressure came against Denmark in eighths of final (which has also been extended). We feel much easier at this stage, "said striker Mario Mandzukic.

The fact that Croatia had to play so much football might perhaps give England a lead, As much as Dalic has injury problems. "Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic fought against Russia despite a hamstring injury, while right-back Sime Vrsaljko should miss the match.

However, Southgate refuses to accept the idea that England will be significantly cooler.

A World Cup semifinal will find energy and will find motivation. So we will not win the match because Croatia has half an hour more than we did three days ago, we have to win because we play better. "