The recent draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sent a familiar chill down the spines of England supporters, with the spectre of Croatian maestro Luka Modric looming large once again.
A Haunting Draw in Washington
Friday's draw ceremony in Washington, D.C., placed Gareth Southgate's England in Group L alongside Croatia, Panama, and Ghana. While the Three Lions enter as top seeds, the immediate reaction from many fans was dominated by the threat posed by their old rivals from the 2018 semi-final.
The central figure of concern is none other than Croatian captain Luka Modric. Despite turning 40 in September, the playmaker continues to perform at the highest level, orchestrating play for Serie A leaders AC Milan. His enduring class has triggered palpable anxiety among the England faithful.
Ghosts of World Cups Past
Modric's history of tormenting England is well-documented. The first major chapter was written during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, where Croatia inflicted two defeats on Steve McClaren's side, culminating in England's infamous failure to reach the tournament.
However, the most painful memory is fresher. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Modric was instrumental as Croatia came from behind to win their semi-final clash 2-1, shattering English dreams of a first final since 1966. That result remains a raw nerve for players and supporters alike.
Fan Fears Flood Social Media
The draw's aftermath saw a wave of humorous yet nervous reactions on social media platform X. One user quipped, "58 year old Luka Modric single-handedly running the midfield as England camp on the edge of our own area."
Another posted, "Luka Modric (72) rolled back the years as England got off to a disastrous start." The fears even extended to Modric's veteran teammate Ivan Perisic, with one fan sharing an image of ageing WWE wrestlers Triple H and Shawn Michaels captioned: "Modric and Perisic after guiding Croatia to a win over England."
While the jokes are light-hearted, they underscore a genuine apprehension. The draw sets the stage for a high-stakes tactical battle, where England must finally lay the ghost of Modric's Croatia to rest if they are to progress with confidence into the knockout stages of the expanded tournament.
