There was a certain arrogance in the narrative surrounding England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia back in 2018.
Much of the focus in the English media centred not on Croatia’s quality, resilience, or experience, but on fatigue. Zlatko Dalic’s side had endured two consecutive extra-time battles on their road to the last four in Russia, leading many pundits to suggest they had finally run out of energy.
Luka Modric heard every word.
The Croatian captain did not appreciate the suggestion that his side were running on empty. Neither did the veterans around him. Instead of feeling insulted, they turned the doubt into fuel.
On that famous night at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Croatia once again dug deep, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 after extra time and book their place in the World Cup final.
“We were reading what was being said,” Modric said after the match. “People kept talking about who would be tired. We showed that everything was different from what they expected. They underestimated Croatia, and that was a huge mistake.”
Eight years later, England and Croatia prepare to cross paths again. The difference is that Modric is now 40 years old.
But dismissing him because of his age could prove just as costly.
The ending that never happened
Many believed Modric’s international story had already reached its conclusion.
Croatia’s heartbreaking exit at Euro 2024 seemed like the perfect, albeit cruel, final chapter. In what was effectively a knockout match against Italy, Modric experienced both ecstasy and devastation within minutes.
After seeing his penalty saved, the midfielder reacted quickest to convert the rebound and put Croatia ahead. It appeared destined to become one final heroic moment from the nation’s greatest footballer.
Then came the heartbreak.
With Croatia seconds away from qualification, Mattia Zaccagni struck deep into stoppage time to rescue Italy and send the Croatians crashing out of the tournament.
As Modric collected his Player of the Match award, the look on his face told its own story. It felt like football had denied one of its true artists the farewell he deserved.
Few wanted it to end that way.
“Never retire”
In the aftermath of that emotional evening, Italian journalist Francesco Repice voiced what millions of football supporters around the world were thinking.
He thanked Modric for everything he had given the sport and pleaded with him to postpone retirement.
“Never retire,” he urged.
Modric smiled.
“I’d like to keep playing forever,” he replied. “But there will probably come a time when I’ll have to hang up my boots. For now, I’ll continue.”
At the time, those words sounded sentimental.
Now, they sound prophetic.
Defying time at AC Milan
When Modric swapped Real Madrid for AC Milan, scepticism quickly followed.
After all, he had already spent over a decade collecting trophies in Spain, winning everything there was to win. To some observers, his move to Serie A felt more like a romantic farewell than a football decision.
They were wrong.
Modric arrived at the San Siro determined to contribute, not simply to relive childhood dreams. Growing up, he had admired Milan legends such as fellow Croatian Zvonimir Boban. But nostalgia alone was never enough for a player of his standards.
He wanted to compete.
Even after Milan signed promising Italian midfielder Samuele Ricci, Modric repeatedly earned the trust of manager Massimiliano Allegri.
And he justified it.
Ricci himself admitted he had never played alongside anyone of Modric’s calibre, praising both the veteran’s relentless intensity and remarkable humility.
Italian journalists were equally astonished.
“If he really is 40,” one columnist joked, “let’s clone him.”
Behind the humour lay genuine admiration.
Because Modric continues to do what few footballers in history have managed: remain elite long after most have faded away.
England have seen this story before
For England, Modric is more than a respected veteran.
He is a painful reminder that football matches are not won by youthful legs alone.
In 2018, England had momentum, excitement and expectation. Croatia had experience, belief and a captain who refused to accept the limitations others tried to place on him.
The result is part of World Cup history.
As another showdown approaches, much has changed around both teams. Yet one constant remains.
Luka Modric is still pulling the strings.
He may not cover every blade of grass as he once did. The bursts are shorter. The recovery takes longer.
But intelligence never ages.
Vision does not disappear.
Leadership cannot be measured in kilometres covered.
At 40, Modric no longer needs to prove that he belongs on football’s biggest stage.
He already has.
The real danger for England is assuming that because the Croatian maestro is nearing the end, he is no longer capable of deciding the biggest moments.
They made the mistake of underestimating Croatia once before.
They can ill afford to do it again.
