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Luka Modric maintains English media underestimated Croatia at World Cup

Croatia v England live on Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm on Friday

Luka Modric has captained Croatia in Russia
Image: Luka Modric says Croatia gained extra motivation in the World Cup semi-final as they felt underestimated

Luka Modric has reiterated his comments that the English media underestimated Croatia ahead of their World Cup semi-final in Russia.

The newly-crowned FIFA Best Men's player accused the media of failing to give Croatia the recognition they deserved in the build-up to July's 2-1 extra-time victory in Moscow.

Live UEFA Nations League

Three months on from that victory, England and Croatia meet again behind closed doors in Friday's Nations League clash in Rijeka - live on Sky Sports Main Event.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Modric was keen to clarify his criticism was directed towards the media and not Gareth Southgate or his squad.

"When I said that after the game it was not meant to be about the players or the head coach but more in regards to some media and commentary that we read and watched," the Real Madrid midfielder said.

"We felt a little bit disrespected and not enough recognition we thought we deserved.

"It was a little bit of extra motivation for the team, not that we needed any for a World Cup semi-final. That's how I felt.

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"Is it a problem for England? That's something you need to answer for yourself and analyse."

Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric (R) vies for the ball with England's forward Harry Kane during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11, 2018.
Image: Croatia host England in the Nations League on Friday

Modric's claims were echoed by Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic, who added: "I would agree with Luka that we felt a little underestimated by the English media, not the head coach or the players.

"There's always a level of respect between the teams. You always need to respect your opponent but also have a self-belief in your team and your possibilities."

Friday's game presents both Croatia and England with the opportunity to get their first points on the board in Nations League Group A4 following opening round defeats by Spain.

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Highlights of the UEFA Nations League Group A4 match between Spain and Croatia.

World Cup runners-up Croatia were thumped 6-0 in Spain last time out, a result Modric is keen to draw a line under against a strong England side in testing circumstances.

"Tomorrow is an important game, especially after the game against Spain. We want to feel better about ourselves," he said.

"We'll see if England are better than they were in the World Cup, they have a lot of the same players but also some new ones and some injuries.

Gareth Southgate embraces Luka Modric after England's World Cup exit
Image: Modric and Croatia beat England 2-1 in Moscow

"It's going to be tough non-football environment for both teams, it's difficult to play in an empty stadium.

"But it's important for us, we want to play as well as possible to achieve a good result. It's hard to play without fans but it is what it is and we need to adapt to that."

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