Croatian players were ready to play against England at all costs, according to their coach Zlatko Dalić.

Although some players were injured or ill, ahead of the semi-final match they were all eager to play their part.

"In the morning ahead of the England match I had Rakitić with a fever of almost 39 (degrees)," Dalić said.

"Ante Rebić said he couldn't play and I told them only those who were 100% fit will play.

"But at our last meeting ahead of the match they all said they are ready. And during the game as I wanted to make substitutions, all of the players kept saying 'Not me, not me'."

Croatia went on to beat the Three Lions 2-1 after extra time and will face France in a World Cup final game on Sunday.