LUKA MODRIC reckons Group D rivals England are amongst the favourite to go all the way at Euro 2020 this summer.
The Croatian legend will look to lead his country to victory over the Three Lions at Wembley on Sunday and get their campaign off to a perfect start.
The opening fixture of the section comes 24 hours before Scotland will host the Czech Republic in the other Group D clash and mark their return to a major finals after a 23-year absence.
Gareth Southgate’s side are one of several nations that will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy next month and Modric believes England are amongst the top teams in the tournament.
Modric said: "Am I excited or nervous? A bit of both.
"Expectation, excitement and nerves as everything starts.
"We are ready and we are looking forward to the tournament, especially the first game.
“I rate England very high, for me for sure, one of the favourites of this tournament. They're playing at home most of the games.
"They have a young, very talented squad, they have some experienced players. Everything will benefit them for this tournament as a team.
"I like them as a team. They have a good coach who is with them now for some time.
"But that doesn't mean that we are not going there to try to play a great game and try to get results.
"We showed in the past that we can and that we know how to play against England, and hopefully we can show it again on Sunday.”
England are expected to go on and top Group D in the coming days as they prepare to host Croatia, Scotland and the Czechs at Wembley and look to capitalise on their home advantage.
More than 20,000 supporters will be at the home of English football to cheer Southgate’s side on during their latest bid for major silverware.
And Modric knows Croatia face a tricky test in their opening fixture as they bid to take a significant step towards qualification from a competitive section.
Modric said: "It's not an ideal start because we are playing against the home team and one of the favourites for the Euros.
"But for me, it's a good start. It will show us where we are at the moment.
"We need to put in a strong performance and there is no better test than against England.
"Wembley gives England an advantage. I'd say all the teams playing at home with a crowd have a slight advantage.
"It's a shame we won't have a lot of Croatian supporters as we always feel their presence.
"But that's how it is. We have to focus on the pitch and not bother about the environment or the lack of our fans.”
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