Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Davor Suker says England are lucky to be in the World Cup semifinals.

Gareth Southgate's side take on Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday for a place in Sunday's final in the Luzhniki Stadium.

But former striker Suker, part of the Croatia side that last reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, suggested Southgate's side were fortunate to still be in the tournament.

“I watched England's game against Colombia at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow and you were lucky," said Suker.

“Colombia had two chances to score to lead in the penalty shoot-out, so you were lucky.

“But why lucky? Because you invested in a lot of forwards and that's what I liked, England at that moment."

Suker acknowledged Gareth Southgate's side are a far tougher prospect than England teams of the past.

“It's football, 11 against 11, 11 warriors," said Suker. “What I would like is the England from before, but now they are very strong and we have to respect them.

“Southgate has done a great job. I have a lot of friends in England and we know each other well. We will spy on each other.

“But money isn't playing, Ferrari isn't playing, watches aren't playing, just 11 against 11 warriors in the World Cup.

“But I think – and I said the same before the game against Russia – it will be 50-50 against England."