The semi-finals are upon us and France have already edged past Belgium in the first semi-final to reach their second major international final in two years.
On Wednesday, England will take on Croatia in the second semi-final and the winner will face France. Both teams have had a comparatively easy run of fixtures and relied on team performances rather than individual brilliance.
ALSO READ: Five possible replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid
As we gear up for England vs Croatia, let us have a look at the top five players who are expected to make the difference in tonight’s match.
Harry Kane, England
He has easily been England’s most important player and he is the most obvious inclusion in this list. Kane is England’s captain and the leader of their attack.
He has scored six goals so far and another one or two tonight won’t hurt. He also leads the race for the golden boot. If England wants to reach the finals and beat France, Kane has to keep up his fine form. After his excellent start, he has slowed down a bit and will be looking to get back his goalscoring form.
Luka Modric, Croatia
After Eden Hazard’s exit from the World Cup last night, Luka Modric is now the favorite to win the golden ball. Croatia’s captain and their most important player, Modric has simply been magnificent so far.
England will start as the favorites tonight but that can change very soon if Modric is in form. He has scored two goals so far including a rocket from 25 yards against Argentina. Modric will once again be the impact player for Croatia as they take on England for a place in the final.
Harry Maguire, England
Harry Maguire has been a revelation at this World Cup as he has been a rock at the back for England. He has helped England reach their first semi-final since 1990 and will be looking to make sure they reach the finals now.
With his height, he will be England’s most important defender against a Croatian side which boasts of plenty of tall players like Mario Mandzukic, Dejan Lovren, and Domagoj Vida. He will be vital to counter Croatia’s aerial threat with his strong physique.
Ivan Rakitic, Croatia
Luka Modric may have grabbed all the headlines, but Rakitic is equally important for the team. He allows Modric the freedom to go forward as he sits in between the two centre-backs and controls the game from there.
Apart from playing the crucial number 6 role, he has scored the winning penalty for Croatia twice now. He showed nerves of steel while taking those two penalties and given England’s track record at penalty-shootouts, his skills from the spot may come in handy yet again.
Jesse Lingard, England
While players like Harry Kane and Maguire have grabbed all the headlines, Jesse Lingard has had an excellent tournament without making a fuss about it. He has scored a solitary goal and been excellent while playing behind Kane and Sterling up front.
The midfield battle against Rakitic and Modirc will be the key to winning against Croatia and Lingard will have to play a crucial role alongside Jordan Hendeson. If they both somehow manage to win this battle, it is safe to say that England will reach the finals.