Croatia beat hosts Russia on penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra time in the World Cup quarter-final in Sochi. The team will now face England in the semi-finals at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday (AEST).

"We believe that it will be a very tough, difficult match," Modric said.

"Every match is difficult at this World Cup. We need to enjoy football. We'll have less time to prepare, but there will be no problems with recovering. We saw how England played against Sweden, we saw their standards."

The 32-year-old added that his team were proud of their results at this summer's tournament.

"We have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in 20 years" he added. "It isn't the easiest route. We're paid tribute at this World Cup.

"I hope we'll advance further than in 1988. We have everything we need: a good team, a perfect coach and an excellent support. I hope we will take one more step towards the World Cup final."

Croatia finished the 1988 World Cup third, after a 2-1 loss to France in the semi-finals.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the final set to be held at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.