Perisic and Trippier lead key battles ahead of Croatia v England at the World Cup

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  • Croatia and England are set to scrap for a spot in World Cup 2018’s final when they meet on Wednesday at Luzhniki Stadium.

    Here are the key battles:

    IVAN PERISIC V KIERAN TRIPPIER

    It is fair to label Ivan Perisic’s output in Russia as disappointing.

    The 29-year-old winger was a major catalyst for Internazionale’s charge towards Champions League qualification for the first time in six years, notching nine assists and 11 goals in 37 Serie A appearances during 2017/18.

    This sensational form should have made him a key weapon in head coach Zlatko Dalic’s armoury. But he’s netted just once in five matches, the late winner against Iceland as Group D wrapped up, and provided zero assists.

    Tellingly, he was hooked on 63 minutes in the quarter-final against hosts Russia with the score locked at 1-1.

    The time to make his quality count is at hand.

    A revelation of the World Cup operates on the right flank for England.

    Kieran Trippier appears a lock-in for the team of the tournament after his influential performances at wing-back in head coach Gareth Southgate’s 3-5-2 formation. The Tottenham defender has set-up 13 chances in Russia – a figure only bettered by Croatia’s Luka Modric, Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Brazil’s Neymar.

    Only one assist has been officially registered, but his set-piece delivery from the right has led to a number of opportunities.

    All this has come without Trippier neglecting his defensive duties. For both tackles (3/2.2) and interceptions (1.5/0.7), his average per game is better at the World Cup than it was in the Premier League during 2017/18.

    10 07 key battles Croatia v England 1

    LUKA MODRIC V JESSE LINGARD

    Luka Modric’ superstar status has been bolstered by his run-outs in Russia.

    The Real Madrid centre midfielder, par excellence, has been the heartbeat of Croatia’s side. A tally of 14 chances created speaks to his influence, while goals have come against Nigeria and Argentina.

    An issue has been his deployment by Dalic. He started the last-eight tie against Russia in a deep role, with this error soon being corrected.

    Jesse Lingard acts as a poster boy for the Southgate era.

    The boss championed Lingard’s cause when they were together in the England Under-21s – and this faith has been repaid with the seniors.

    The 25-year-old links play between the midfield and attack, with an average pass accuracy of 93.4 per cent speaking of his efficiency. A repeat of his vision to pick out Dele Alli for England’s second against Sweden is a must.

    10 07 key battles Croatia v England 2

    MARIO MANDZUKIC V HARRY KANE

    Mario Mandzukic’s selfless toil up to for Croatia doesn’t go unnoticed.

    Dalic labelled the Juventus centre forward as the “soul of the team” ahead of their last-16 clash with Denmark – and it is hard to disagree. The game against ‘Danish Dynamite’ saw his only goal in Russia, but an assist followed for Ante Rebic against Russia.

    Such industry does come at a price, however. The 32-year-old laboured through the final stages against the hosts and his endurance will be tested against England.

    Harry Kane drew a first blank of the tournament against Sweden.

    The Tottenham superstar never looked close to adding to his six-goal tally, with only one off-target attempt on goal being registered. His 19 passes and 34 touches were also the lowest of any English starter.

    A greater influence must be imprinted on this last-four clash. England need their outstanding player to rise to the occasion of a first semi-final in 28 years.

    10 07 key battles Croatia v England 3

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