Croatia coach Slaven Bilic admits he's desperate for England to beat Russia on Wednesday night.

The former West Ham and Everton defender said: "Russia did not have a game on Saturday so they have been training for the last 10 days on this kind of pitch.

"You can't just go the day before and play there. We played them on a normal pitch. This is a chance for Russia and gives them an advantage.

"I hope England are ready for it. I am going to be a bigger fan of England on Wednesday than any Englishman.

"England are at another level in quality and self- confidence they did not have before.

"My son was born in London and he is a Chelsea fan. He loves English football and I love it, too.

"If England do not lose on Wednesday we are through. But I believe that the Euros or World Cup are not the same without England."