World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 78,011

World Cup | Semi-Finals

Jul 11, 2018 at 7pm UK

Croatia
2-1
England

Perisic (68'), Mandzukic (109')

FT
(aet)

Trippier (5')

England 'to name unchanged starting lineup for World Cup semi-final'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: July 10 2018 | 10:02

Last updated: July 12 2018 | 20:13

England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly name an unchanged starting lineup for the third knockout game in a row when his side take on Croatia in the semi-final.

England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly name an unchanged starting lineup for the third game in a row when his side take on Croatia in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.

Southgate stuck with the same XI that overcame Colombia on penalties for the quarter-final victory over Sweden, which they won 2-0 to book their place in the last four for the first time since 1990.

The Three Lions will now reportedly keep faith with that team for a third knockout game in a row, with Jordan Henderson having overcome a tight hamstring to start.

Raheem Sterling's place in the side was also in slight doubt due to criticism he received for his performance against Sweden, but Southgate is still understood to prefer the Manchester City man to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy.

All 23 squad members trained on Monday, and concerns over the fitness of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford are not considered serious enough to contemplate changes.

England are bidding to reach the final of the World Cup for the first time since 1966, when they lifted the trophy on home soil.