Mitch Freeley

Former England midfielder Paul Scholes has talked up Croatia captain Luca Modrić ahead of the Three Lions crunch World Cup semi-final in Moscow on Wednesday evening. 

Scholes, was a studio guest for beIN SPORTS as England breezed past Sweden 2-0 to confirm their place in a first World Cup semi-final in 28 years. The ex-Manchester United player waxed lyrical about Real Madrid midfielder when asked about his favourite players at the 2018 tournament in Russia. 

“It has to be Luca Modric. The way he controls a game of football is special, he can do everything he can defend he can beat a man he can score a goal he’s the complete midfielder.” 

Modrić, 32 will be Croatia’s danger-man in Moscow as the European side, who have played some of the most exciting football in Russia attempt to get the better of the Three Lions and book their place in their first ever World Cup final. 

“I know Toni Kroos has gone home but I love watching him play. Four years ago he was fanatic, those are the kind of players I admire” added the two-time Champions League winner. 

Scholes also reflected on his time with England at the World Cup, when the midfielder was part of the “Golden Generation” which failed to go further than the quarter-finals despite having a wealth of talent from Manchester United, Chelsea & Liverpool. 

“I think excitement, maybe a few mixed feelings really The excitement of going to a World Cup, the first one in France 98 scoring a goal we got beat in the last 16 to Argentina and that was a disappointment.”

Scholes also lamented England’s 2002 World Cup campaign, admitting that he didn’t enjoy the experience as England crashed out in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Brazil. 

“Japan and Korea was a disappointment as well really, I didn’t really enjoy as much as I thought I could do. That comes down to performance as well if you’re not playing well it’s not going to be a great experience for you, but just being there and being part of the squad was good.”

England will now be hoping to write their own history when they face off against Croatia for a place in the World Cup final. You can watch all the action from the 2018 tournament via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.