• ENGLAND STARTS WITH THE 3-1-4-2 FORMATION.

In defence, I believe England in their last match showed some weakness when opponent team forwards presses the back line. Jordan Henderson should stick with back three & support them rather than going forward.

England midfield generally reacts quickly while defending they switch to the 5-3-2 formation. Only Kane & Sterling are allowed to stay free, all other players are assigned defensive duties like they have to cover gaps left behind for each other while England presses to recover the ball.

If a team retract back and try to win the ball as soon as they lose it, I see this as a sign of a good team.

- England should cover central areas well because Croatia has very good deep lying playmaker in Modric & Rakitic.

- England defence has been very good in the air. Maguire & Stones is clearing long ball & set pieces very well. Croatia has Mandzukic & Kramaric in the attack. Both this player are good with headers, so today England back three should keep the ball away from their head.

In midfield, Dele Alli & Jesse Lingard will be kept in check by Croatian midfielders to stop their creativity. If England wants to beat Croatia both Dele Alli & Lingard should overcome this as England playing good football very much depends on how much these players are involved in the game.

- Lingard, Alli & Sterling is really making good connections and they form the core of England attacks & build-up play.

Raheem Sterling is yet to get a goal in this WC and I believe he will get his moment, maybe today or in the final.

- Croatia weak link lies in their defence. Especially against one-two-one gameplay or against quick transitions. England will have a high possession today I believe so they should not just keep the ball but should be quick with it.

Croatian defence knows how good can Harry Kane & Co. be on the attack. Croatia will be without their first choice right-back Šime Vrsaljko, this is not good news for the Croatian team and this may go in favour for England.

- The thing which has impressed me the most about Harry Kane is that he now get more involved in the game for his team. He can create chances for other and his attitude has been brilliant as a leader for his team. I still believe Harry Kane will end this World Cup with 8 goals to his name. I hope he scores one today.

- For him to be highly influential England will need their "Holy Trinity" of Lingard, Alli & Sterling to be in good form and making good decisions as they have been doing this World Cup.

Conclusion: England faces the biggest test of their FIFA WC campaign today. Croatia has been a very strong team this term. Croatia mindset should be applauded as they have overcome two penalty-shootouts. Croatia biggest strength is their highly experienced deep-lying playmakers. Croatia will counter-attack England & possibly play more direct football. If England will be the team we have been seeing this WC they will beat Croatia.

I believe Three Lions will overcome the Croatian challenge and will reach FIFA World Cup Final after 52 years.

FT prediction: England 2-1 Croatia

What do you guys think about the match tonight? Who will win it? What is your prediction?