Bilic praises 'icon' Modric ahead of England clash

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Croatia started its UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia before losing 4-1 to Spain last time out.

Modric opened the scoring in its win over Czechia, which was also the first goal of Bilic's second tenure with the national team.

The 41-year-old was used as a late substitute against Spain, with the world champion comfortably leading at the time of his introduction.

Bilic insisted he will monitor Modric's minutes, but is confident the AC Milan midfielder can make an impact for Croatia.

"Of course, as with many other players, we have to be mindful of his workload, which is why we take special care of him," Bilic said.

"He is simply unique. The old saying is that age is just a number, but with him, it really seems that way and he proves it.

"He simply keeps going because he is unique and because he means so much to the team.

"He is more than a player, more than a captain. He is an icon. His importance can be seen everywhere, at the table, at dinner, in meetings.

"But above all, he is here because he still gives so much on the pitch and makes a difference."

Croatia has won eight of its past nine competitive home matches since a 1-0 loss to Turkiye in an October 2023 European championship qualifier.

However, despite losing only four of its past 41 home competitive internationals, three have been in the UEFA Nations League against France and Portugal in 2020 and Austria in 2022.

Bilic's side will play mostly behind closed doors because of crowd disturbances involving Croatia fans during a UEFA Nations League match against France in March 2025.

There is an exception for schoolchildren, plus 100 travelling England supporters.

Since beating England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final, Croatia is winless in all four games against the Three Lions, losing three of those.