Luka Modric, feeling rejuvenated, is determined to savour every moment of his final World Cup

Croatia will face England on Wednesday in Texas, one of the most appealing fixtures of the group stage in North America.

The 40-year-old Modric will lead out Croatia, who defeated England in the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and will orchestrate play from midfield once again.

Alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, this marks the final tournament for one of the most celebrated players of the past two decades.

Modric, now at AC Milan after over a decade at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield, is set to earn his 200th cap for his country in North America.

"Every match and every tournament holds special significance at the age of 40 while representing the national team," Modric said on the eve of the England clash.

"My objective in this tournament is to savour it, to give my best, but also to enjoy it," he added.

"I want to relish each game and every training session with these lads."

Croatia coasted through qualifying but arrive at the World Cup with little hype, much like at other recent major tournaments.

However, England would be unwise to underestimate them, even if the Croatia squad is among the older ones at the tournament.

Another veteran of previous campaigns, 37-year-old winger Ivan Perisic, is also included alongside Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.

There is excitement about 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who is expected to start against England, and Modric said: "There are plenty of young players, so I feel rejuvenated in their company."

Long-serving coach Zlatko Dalic is looking forward to facing England once more and seeing how his side measures up against an attack led by prolific captain Harry Kane.

"The opposition is of high quality," he said.

"We know their quality, we have analysed them, and they know us too... they are very dangerous.

"They boast the best strikers in the world. They have Kane — Kane can do a lot, an awful lot," he added, saying he was also wary of the threat posed by Thomas Tuchel's side from set pieces.

"We are quite well prepared for that," he said.

Also in Group L are Ghana and Panama.