Croatia have had quite the road to get to the semifinals. They finished the group stage with nine points including an emphatic 3-0 victory over Argentina surrounded by wins over Nigeria and Iceland. But then the knockout rounds started and Croatia needed 120 minutes and penalties to prevail over Denmark followed by 120 minutes and penalties to knock out the tournament hosts Russia. It will be a tired Croatia heading to Moscow.
England have had a much less stressful path to the semifinal. They finished second in their group behind Belgium, resting key players in the group finale against Belgium with advancement secured.