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World Cup: The Croatian players England need to watch out for

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WATCH: Young Croatian fans send their support to team

There are only a few hours left until England take on Croatia in their World Cup semi-final match on Wednesday.

The two European sides will face off at 7pm at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia are hoping to reach the World Cup final for the first time and England are hoping to end a 52-year wait to return.

Newsround takes a look at the Croatian players England need to watch out for.

Image source, Reuters

Luka Modri膰 - 'Midfield Magician'

Luka Modri膰 is Croatia's captain and one of their top players.

The Real Madrid footballer has scored two goals already at this World Cup, and also a created goals for his teammates.

He's displayed some fantastic skill on the ball and proved why he's called a 'Midfield Magician'.

Image source, Getty Images - Julian Finney

Mario Mand啪uki膰 - 'Aerial Threat'

Croatia's main striker Mand啪uki膰 is a strong player and he's 6 foot 3 inches tall!

That means he provides a serious threat in the air.

He is one to watch on corners and free kicks against England.

Image source, Fred Lee

Ivan Rakiti膰 - 'The Rocket'

Rakiti膰 is an attacking midfielder who has scored 21 goals for Barcelona over the last four years.

In his World Cup journey so far, Rakiti膰 has scored one goal against Argentina and scored the winning penalty kick against Denmark.

He scored another penalty during the epic shootout against hosts Russia to get them into the semi-finals.

Image source, Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA

Dejan Lovren - 'The Rock'

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against England's quick and skilful attack on Wednesday evening.

Lovren has made over 40 appearances for his country and scored two goals.

Like a lot of the Croatian team, Lovren is tall and strong - a huge aerial threat which could be hard for England to deal with when it comes to set pieces!