Daniel Sturridge has apologised to former Liverpool teammate Dejan Lovren after predicting Croatia would exit the World Cup at the hands of Japan.

Croatia reached the quarterfinals after defeating Japan on penalties.

Sharing a video on Instagram, Sturridge begins his video call with Lovren by saying: “No Brate, wait, hold on, hold on." At the same time, Lovren can be heard shouting: “You don't believe! You didn't believe!"

Sturridge continues the conversation by adding: “Brate, I'm on set right now but I had to call to say, 'I'm sorry'. I didn't mean what I said! You know what I mean? You're my friend, you know? I didn't mean what I said. So I am really sorry about it, Brate. Now you've come through with an assist. Do you accept my apology, or?"

Concluding their chat, the Croatian centre-back says: “Thank you, brother! I will call you tomorrow."

Lovren later wrote the following words in the comments section of the video: "Apologize [sic] accepted. Waiting for your new video against Brazil!"