Playing Croatia in the semifinals is a tough reminder for England

Sochi, Russia (AP) – Croatia was at the lowest level of England in this early century in international football, and this will be where the English team will attempt to peak.

Croatia in November 2007 was a national embarrassment. The tactics of coach Steve McClaren waded while he was holding an umbrella in the rain at Wembley, and he was dubbed "the Wally with the brolly" following the defeat that prevented him from getting into trouble. England to qualify for Euro 2008.

A young and dynamic team allowed England to qualify for the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and she will face Croatia again. The euphoria on the streets of London has been matched in Zagreb, where Croats have celebrated the best World Cup since 1998.

"We respect them and I think they respect us", said Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, who played in England. since 2013. "We are two big teams and it will be a big challenge for us and for them, so let's see who will be the best."

Lovren is the only player in the World Cup of Croatia who is currently with an English club, although his teammates Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka have already played for Tottenham, and forward Andrej Kramaric was previously in Leicester City.

England beat Croatia 4-1 and 5-1 in its last two meetings in 2008 and 2009, but the memory of England's fans remains this defeat in 2007.

Davor Suker, star of the Croatian team who reached the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup and president of the national football federation, tried to downplay the grudge factor before Sea "No revenge, c & # 39; is football, "he said, adding that he wanted Croatia to face a weaker England team. "What I would like, England from before, but now England is very strong, we will respect this team."

England won the 1966 World Cup but did not return to the finals of the sport's flagship event. In the semifinals in 1990, West Germany advanced on penalties against England

Suker said that English coach Gareth Southgate had built a team of hungry players motivated to win for their country and not strayed by fame. "You know, the coach, what he has, football is coming home," said Suker, referring to the song "Three Lions"

"These are hungry players, see -you". Do not compare for players competing for the biggest title. "Only 11 against 11 warriors and it's the World Cup."

In addition to Wednesday's semifinal in Moscow, England and Croatia will meet twice as much this year in the new League of Nations.

October 12. The match will be played on empty ground because Croatia is under a UEFA stadium ban imposed in 2015 when a swastika was painted on its court before a game. England welcomes Croatia on 18 November in the return match.