Three things England must do to beat Croatia

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SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Dele Alli of England celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

England face Croatia in their first World Cup semi-final since Italia’90 at the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday. Here’s a look at the three things they must do to get a step closer to bringing it home:

Start on the front foot

England were guilty of a lethargic start against Sweden. They had been uncharacteristically monotonous up until the point when Harry Maguire headed them in front, and it was only then that they woke up.

While the weariness is quite understandable after playing out a game that lasted 120 minutes against Colombia, breezing past the Swedes has allowed Gareth Southgate’s side to freshen up once again.

Croatia, in comparison, have had two consecutive matches decided by a penalty shootout, appearing visibly knackered by the end of extra time against Russia in the quarter-final. With little time to recover, there’s every chance that the Vatreni would not be at their sharpest best. It’s what England have to take advantage of.

The Three Lions need to ensure that they start on the front foot, making full use of Raheem Sterling and company’s movement to unsettle Zlatko Dalic’s side early on. The more time England offer their opponents, the more they’d inevitably grow into the game.