2018 FIFA World Cup: England set to clash with Croatia in Moscow

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The second semi-final at the World Cup is this evening's clash at Luzhniki Stadium between England and Croatia. The young Three Lions are trying to advance to the championship match for the first time winning their only trophy in 1966, while the Blazers hope to exceed their third place finish from 20 years ago. Dan Williams reports from Moscow.

England and Croatia football fans have had plenty to celebrate in Russia.

And now with their teams in the World Cup semifinals, the finals are just a step away for one side.

"England are going to win the World Cup. We've had the easier run. Croatia have had a really hard run. They've had two hard games that have gone to penalties. We're going to be fresher so England are going to win."

"I think, I hope, Croatia. We've shown we can play big games like Argentina in the first round. And we now have two tough games. I think in the past, we would normally lose these games, but with a few years with this generation, we have the quality, and we will win this."

"It's coming home. Thirty years of hurt. It's coming home."

DAN WILLIAMS MOSCOW "So, predictably, both sets of fans are in good voice going into this match. Few would have predicted this semifinal ahead of the tournament. But both sides now have a golden opportunity to reach a World Cup Final."

Croatia last appeared in a semifinal in 1998. This is England's first World Cup semifinal in 28 years.

The match takes place against a backdrop of Brexit, Britain's decision to leave the European Union, and heightened political tensions.

Head coach Gareth Southgate believes his team can bring England together.

GARETH SOUTHGATE ENGLAND MANAGER "They're proud to wear the shirt, and our country's been through some difficult moments recently, in terms of its unity, and I think sport has the power to do that, and football in particular has the power to do that. So for us, we can feel the energy, and we can feel the support from home, and that's a very special feeling, that's a privilege for us."

Croatia's strength is its midfield which features both Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.

The squad is packed with experience and there is a feeling among the players the team can win and make it to its first ever World Cup Final.

ZLATKO DALIC CROATIA COACH "It shouldn't be a surprise that Croatia is in the World Cup semi-finals, considering the quality of our players, which is very obvious. This generation has been underrated for a long time, but they've shown their qualities when it matters most, at this World Cup."

England and Croatia have enjoyed their World Cup adventures so far, but for one set of fans, it's about to get even better. Dan Williams, CGTN, Moscow.