Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic says Luka Modric faces England in tonight's World Cup semifinal in the form of his life.

Real Madrid midfielder Modric has played a starring role in Russia so far and has been named man of the match in three of Croatia's five games at the World Cup, with his performance against Argentina a particular highlight.

And heading into the encounter with England, Dalic believes the 32-year-old former Tottenham star is in the form of his life.

"It's his quality that he's been showing for many years. When you see him sprinting after 115 minutes to retrieve a ball, it shows his desire, which is present in other team-mates, to do something," Dalic said.

"Luka has achieved everything possible at club level but hasn't done so for the national team.

"We achieved success as a compact team who do not give in, who work for one another and this is maybe one of the best periods for Luka.

"He is playing the best football of his life."