Modric wary of ‘great threat’ Bellingham when Croatia face England

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric says his former Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham will be a “great threat” for England in their World Cup opener in Dallas.

The 40-year-old, who is heading into his fifth World Cup, played with Bellingham for two years at the Bernabeu and hailed his quality and character – even if he did not want to get involved with the politics of Thomas Tuchel’s selection.

They will come face to face again at the AT&T Stadium on Wednesday as both teams play their toughest match of the group.

“I do not like to meddle in the decisions of Thomas Tuchel. England have great players, they are phenomenal players,” he said.

“I have played with Jude for two years and I know what sort of top-notch player he is and a character as well. He is a great threat to us.”

Modric is widely expected to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in playing his last World Cup this summer.

The playmaker steered Croatia to back-to-back third-placed finishes in the last two editions and has consolidated his position as one of the greats of the game.

However, he does not think he is owed anything heading into his swansong.

“Every game, every tournament is special for the national team, especially when we have World Cups. We all want to end up with the best possible result,” he added.

“The only promise I can make is that me and the whole team will do our best to show the best of ourselves. I hope we can bring a lot of joy.

“The more I am here, the more proud I am to represent Croatia in the best way at a major tournament.

“Football owes nothing to anyone, I believe we are here to give our best.

“We all have our dreams, we want to become world champions, some of us are successful. The most important part is to do your best.

“I could not have dreamt I would have competed in five World Cups. I was a boy who had big dreams and I wanted just one cap for the Croatia team.

“I am almost at my 200th cap, it is amazing, I can’t believe it. Every Championship made me better.”

With Ghana and Panama also in Group L, this clash between the two heavyweights of the group could have a significant bearing on the outcome.

But Modric does not see it as decisive.

“Not necessarily, it is an important match, every match is important,” he said. “The outcome does not necessarily mean anything, it is important but it is not decisive for our fate.

“It is important for our self-confidence and the remainder if the tournament. It is not decisive.”