Dalić and Modrić await a top-class encounter in Rijeka

Zlatko Dalić

"There is a number of injury problems, but I have no dilemmas: Livaković, Pivarić, Vida, Lovren, Jedvaj, Kovačić, Modrić, Rakitić, Perišić, Rebić, and Kramarić. I believe this is a good team, one that can provide a good performance. Croatia had extra motivation in the World Cup semifinals, considering the English did not expect us among the best teams, but I believe the players and the manager always respect their opponents. Others, however, can underestimate them, and we were aware of this. In the end, it is always about self-confidence. The UEFA Nations League is a quality idea, but so soon after the World Cup, the players are exhausted. They need at least a month-long rest, they are not robots, and the clubs require immediate inclusion in practice sessions. Many European national teams now have similar issues, but the competition is OK"

Luka Modrić 

"This is an important match, especially since we seek redemption for the loss in Spain. It will be tough, and we need to adjust to playing behind closed doors, but I hope we can perform well and achieve a positive result. England also has injury problems and several new players, and I have never said that England players have underestimated us in the World Cup - I was thinking about the media and the fans. Moreover, Harry Kane plays at a top level in the last couple of seasons and he is one of the best strikers worldwide. Soon, he could be one of the best players in the world. Considering the UEFA Nations League, everybody has his own opinion. I believe it is a good concept, and we have a chance to test ourselves against the top opposition. However, we were emotionally empty following the World Cup, and then this defeat in Spain happened. Now, a top opponent awaits, and we love these kind of matches" 

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