Bilic to wrap Modric in cotton wool for England test

Croatia host England in the Nations League on Saturday, and Slaven Bilic will be hoping the ageless Luka Modric can inspire another famous result against the Three Lions — even if the veteran's minutes have to be carefully rationed.

The 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder remains central to Bilic's plans at the start of the coach's second spell in charge, but the boss admitted the playmaker's workload must be monitored. "Of course, as with many other players, we have to be mindful of his workload, which is why we take special care of him," Bilic said. "He is simply unique. The old saying is that age is just a number, but with him, it really seems that way and he proves it.

"He simply keeps going because he is unique and because he means so much to the team. He is more than a player, more than a captain. He is an icon. His importance can be seen everywhere, at the table, at dinner, in meetings. But above all, he is here because he still gives so much on the pitch and makes a difference."

A second coming built on continuity

Bilic was out of work for 23 months from August 2024 before returning to the Croatia helm for a second spell, a move reported on October 2 as a striking contrast to the restrained, almost priest-like persona of predecessor Zlatko Dalic, who led Croatia to second and third at the World Cup. On Bilic's first public appearance back in the job in July, "it was as if somebody had opened the windows and let in fresh air."

Modric's opener against Czechia was the first goal of that second Bilic tenure, as Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win. He was then used only as a late substitute in the 4-1 loss to Spain last time out, with the world champions comfortably ahead by the time the midfielder entered the fray. Bilic is confident the AC Milan man can still make an impact despite the reduced role.

Form and a familiar foe

Croatia have won eight of their last nine competitive home matches (D1) since a 1-0 loss to Turkiye in an October 2023 European Championship qualifier. They have lost only four of their last 41 home competitive internationals — though three of those defeats have come in the Nations League, against France and Portugal in 2020 and Austria in 2022.

The match at the Stadion HNK Rijeka, which holds 8,279 spectators, is scheduled to be played mostly behind closed doors as punishment for crowd disturbances involving Croatia fans during a Nations League match against France in March 2025, a sanction reported on October 3. There is an exception for schoolchildren, plus 100 travelling England supporters.

Since beating England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, however, Croatia are winless in all four games against the Three Lions (D1 L3) — a record Bilic's side will be desperate to put right on Saturday.

England's own questions

England arrive with selection issues of their own. As reported on October 3, Jordan Pickford is in the spotlight against Croatia with James Trafford applying pressure for the gloves, while Thomas Tuchel faces midfield decisions. "Is Declan still a fix point in my team?" Tuchel wondered. "Yes, but some other players are coming and impressing." Options include Myles Lewis-Skelly continuing alongside Elliot Anderson, or Alex Scott getting a chance, while Tuchel must also decide whether to stick with Trent Alexander-Arnold and let the right-back build an understanding with Bukayo Saka.