Set plays are key to England reaching the World Cup final

Semi-final
ITV1, 7pm Wednesday

England have been the set-piece specialists at Russia 2018 and their dead-ball prowess could be key to edging past World Cup semi-final opponents Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium.

It has been a dream run to the last four for the Three Lions, who go into the match with a confident, healthy squad of players.

But there is a danger that the ease of Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sweden could leave them unprepared for the tougher test of battling Croatia for a place in the final.

Given the steady improvement in England's performances, they look accurately priced as 8-13 favourites to reach the final and 11-8 to prevail in normal time. But it promises to be a more balanced game and England need to squeeze out every marginal advantage they can, including the inevitable focus on set plays.

Eight of England's 11 goals this summer have come from corners, free-kicks or penalties and, while the threat may be obvious, it is something which Croatia may struggle to defend against.

The Three Lions have been receiving a lot of love from their supporters after becoming the first England team to reach a World Cup semi-final since 1990. And the coaching setup have come up with the 'love-train' – a four-man column of players at corners – which is causing havoc for defences.

Four English goals have come from flag kicks and all have featured headed contributions from central defenders.

John Stones showed off his aerial prowess in the opening game when his header was saved by Tunisian goalkeeper Mouez Hassen, allowing Harry Kane to open his and England's World Cup account.

The Manchester City defender followed up with two goals against Panama and Harry Maguire joined the party against Sweden with a thumping header past Robin Olsen.

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Both are a major threat but the each-way first scorer preference is for Stones, who netted three goals in Manchester City's Champions League campaign last season.

England still haven't scored directly from a free-kick but Kieran Trippier has had some good efforts and is another value option in first scorer betting.

The Tottenham man showed a steely nerve from the penalty spot against Colombia and looks attractively priced at 55-1.

Maguire, Stones and Trippier also have crucial roles to play in defence and may have their hands full against a technically accomplished Croatia side desperate to reach the World Cup final for the first time in their nation's history.

By the end of the group stage it was hard to fault the Croatians, who were one of only three teams with a 100 per cent record.

However, they have been less convincing in the knockout stages, needing penalty shootouts to see off Denmark and Russia.

Some of the players seemed to be running on empty during extra-time against the Russians and defender Domagoj Vida and assistant coach Ognjen Vukojevic went overboard with their pro-Ukraine celebrations, prompting a Fifa investigation.

Vida escaped with a warning but the Croatian FA have sent Vukojevic home in a bid to ease tensions with the host nation.

The incident is unlikely to have a major bearing on the performance against England.

Of far more importance is the physical state of first choice players Sime Vrsaljko, Mario Mandzukic and Danijel Subasic, who all appeared to be struggling against Russia.

Head coach Zlatko Dalic is renowned for not taking a chance on injured players but his options aren't great should any of the trio miss out.

Much depends on how well Croatian have recovered from their exertions but they have far more than Harry Kane to think about and it could be one of the English defenders who makes the telling contribution.

Recommendations
J Stones first scorer
1pt each-way 33-1 bet365, Sky Bet
K Trippier first scorer
1pt each-way 55-1 Paddy Power

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The lowdown

Croatia
Team news
Danijel Subasic (hamstring) is expected to play but there are more serious doubts over Sime Vrsaljko (knee).

Strengths
They look superior to England in midfield. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are class acts and substitute Marcelo Brozovic is a high quality backup.

Weaknesses
Mental and physical fatigue could be an issue, having come through two penalty shootouts. And there are question marks over left back Ivan Strinic, who is better going forward than defending.

Key man
Modric has been their outstanding player by a distance and will have to have another good game if Croatia are to progress.

England
Team news
Jordan Pickford (thumb) and Jordan Henderson (hamstring) have overcome minor niggles, affording Gareth Southgate a full squad to select from.

Strengths
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has emerged as a major plus and the threat from set-pieces is obvious with Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young providing some excellent deliveries.

Weaknesses
Against a better team England's midfield may be a little too attack-minded. Jordan Henderson gets through an awful lot of work and needs more help from Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli.

Key man
Croatia will test England a lot more than Sweden and it is crucial that Henderson shrugs off a reported niggle and produces another big performance.

Weather
Chance of showers, 25C.

Key stat
Only three of England's 11 goals at the World Cup have come from open play.

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