Luka Modric has decided to continue representing Croatia, setting up another international meeting with England despite growing questions about his future with the national team.
The veteran midfielder, who turns 41 on Wednesday, had been tipped to step away from international football following Croatia’s elimination from the World Cup at the last-32 stage against Portugal on July 3.
However, the Croatia captain has made himself available for selection and is expected to feature in Slaven Bilic’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Croatia are scheduled to face the Czech Republic on September 26, England on October 3 and Spain on October 6, with Modrić’s experience expected to remain an important part of the team’s plans.
The decision has delighted Bilic, who welcomed the midfielder’s commitment and highlighted his importance to Croatian football both on and off the pitch.
“Of course, I am extremely happy with Luka’s decision because we all know what he represents and means for Croatia on and off the field,” Bilic told the official HNS (Croatian Football Federation) website.
The Croatia manager also expressed excitement about working with the former Real Madrid star again, pointing to their shared ambition of keeping the national team competitive against the world’s leading sides.
“I am especially pleased that after 14 years we will work together again and share a strong ambition for Croatia to be quality, successful and equal to the best in the world.”
Modrić’s decision follows discussions with Bilic and Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustic, during which the midfielder communicated his desire to remain available for national team duty.
His international experience is difficult to overlook. Having earned 202 caps for Croatia, Modrić remains one of the country’s most influential football figures, and his continued presence offers the squad a wealth of experience as they prepare for another demanding international schedule.
The upcoming meeting with England is particularly significant, with the two nations set to face each other in Rijeka on October 3. However, supporters will not be allowed inside the stadium, as the fixture will be played behind closed doors because of previous crowd trouble involving the home team.
For England, the prospect of facing Modrić again presents another opportunity to come up against one of international football’s most decorated midfielders.
For Croatia, his decision removes uncertainty surrounding his immediate international future and gives Bilic another major figure to build around.
At an age when many players have already stepped away from international football, Modrić’s willingness to continue underlines his commitment to Croatia and his desire to remain involved at the highest level.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
