Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes Croatia's midfield will be too strong for England in their World Cup semifinal.

Bilic is convinced Croatia's midfield will boast too much quality.

He said: "This is going to be the biggest test for you (England) because of the quality we have all over the pitch and especially in midfield. England have not faced that.

"You are talking about one of the best midfield pairs in Europe and in the tournament with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, and we also have Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozinic.

"Midfield is always the key area for the teams who are trying to play with the ball," he continued.

"If you want to play - and Croatia want to play and England want to play - then you always have to take advantage of the midfield. Both teams are trying to play that way, although both, especially England, can play very directly.

"For Croatia, the world-class players are ready and willing to sacrifice and do the dirty work and defend but when we get the ball we are very capable with our skill and pace to hurt the opposition."