Liverpool legend Phil Thompson wants the England players to show their bravery against Croatia in the World Cup semi final.

England are in their first semi since Italia '90. They have a chance to reach a final against either Belgium or France.

Thompson does not want the players to let fear or anxiety impact their performance. He also wants them to maintain the same forward thinking formation that got them to the semi.

"Go for it and be brave," said Thompson on Sky Sports.

"This Croatia team is a good team but England are a better all-round side. We'll have enough players in that central position to close down on them.

"In Croatia's last two games, teams have identified Modric and Rakitic and closed them down - the numbers of balls played forward by those two has decreased.

"Henderson is very important to England and the way he's learned to press under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. He's not Steven Gerrard in the way he plays but he knows that.

"He's been fantastic. Just because he doesn't go around shouting about it then he doesn't get the credit that is due. It's not surprised me the way he's played. We saw in the Belgium game why Henderson was picked ahead of Dier - he's had a terrific tournament."