The Standard – Kenya: From the stop of Luka Modric in the isolation of Mario Mandzukic – 5 ways for England to beat Croatia in 2018 World Cup | The standard

The semi-finals of the World Cup of England will be Croatia after defeating Russia in a grueling fight that required penalties.

Mario Fernandes' header sent the ball to score shots on goal, but the Brazilian side missed its penalty and Ivan Rakitic hit the decisive goal to send the hosts home.

The three Lions defeated Sweden in the quarter-finals. Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored goals in a 2-0 win.

Gareth Southgate has now guided England to the furthest point since 1990 and will be fixated on Modric and co. in the next few days.

Here are five things that England needs to take into account in its preparation to eliminate Zlatko Dalic's team on Wednesday:

1) Stop Luca Modric who dictates the tempo of the game.

The midfielder of Real Madrid is a string extractor and if the stars of Gareth Southgate want to succeed, they can not leave the old Tottenham star play his role. as number removed 10.

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2) Use the width of the field

Croatia has strength in the middle of the park, with Barcelona star Ivan Ratikic transmitting Modric.

This is the reason why Ashley Young and Kieran Trippier must provide as much width as possible to reduce congestion in the midfield when England attacks.

3) Deny Mandzukic service

The main man of Croatia in attack is the star of the Juventus Mario Mandzukic.

The 32-year-old striker has toured some great clubs, but he's still dangerous with skill, skill and physicality that will be a real test for John Stones and Harry Maguire.

The key to keeping him quiet is to deny him the service he desires.

4) Southgate must inspire the pbadion of the group

Gareth Southgate will have to bring his game A.

The coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic, is an intelligent and ingenious leader who makes the most of a talented group of Croatian stars.

Dalic is patriotic and committed and ran his team through the brick walls. Southgate must match this intensity.

5) Do not get torpedoed by submarines

It's a match that could go to distance, so it's important that his teammates are well aligned.

The boss of England received a stick for his replacements against Colombia, with the arrival of Eric Dier for Dele Alli seen as a negative move. Southgate had the last laugh with Dier the stunt hero.