Luka Modric said on June 16 he was determined to enjoy every second of his final World Cup appearance and felt "rejuvenated" by playing alongside a new generation of Croatian players at his fifth tournament on football’s biggest stage [1, 2]. The 40-year-old midfielder will lead Croatia and is set to earn his 200th international cap during the competition [1, 2].
Croatia faces England on June 17 in Texas in one of the most anticipated group stage matches in North America [1, 2]. The match pits Modric’s experienced squad against a strong England side known for its attacking threats, particularly captain Harry Kane.
Coach Zlatko Dalic said the team has extensively studied England’s style and is prepared for their set-piece opportunities. "The opponent is high quality. We know their quality, we analysed them, and they know us too… they’re very dangerous. They have the best strikers in the world. They have Kane – Kane can do a lot, a hell of a lot," Dalic said. "We are quite prepared for that" [1].
Croatia qualified comfortably for the tournament but arrived with modest expectations and little fanfare, similar to recent World Cups [1, 2]. The squad blends veterans like 37-year-old Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic with promising youth, including 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who is expected to start against England [1, 2]. Modric acknowledged that the mix of youth and experience makes him feel revitalized as he leads the team [1, 2].
Modric said, "Every game, every tournament is special at 40 with the national team. My aim in this tournament is to enjoy it, to do my best, but enjoy it. I want to enjoy each match, every training with these guys" [1].
Croatia competes in Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama [1, 2]. The group stage match against England on June 17 is the team’s next major test.