Slaven Bilic selects Luka Modric for Croatia’s Nations League squad ahead of Spain and England matches

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Luka Modric remains part of Croatia’s plans after naming his first squad since returning as national team head coach.

The decision ends recent uncertainty over the 41-year-old midfielder’s international future. Modric, who plays for Milan, has been included in Croatia’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures despite concerns about his age.

The experienced midfielder and Croatia captain will continue to represent his country during the international break in September and October. The break will last three consecutive weeks, making it the first time such an extended international period has taken place.

Croatia will begin their Nations League group-stage campaign against the Czech Republic on 26 September. Four days later, on 29 September, they will face Spain.

Their October schedule starts with a meeting with England on 3 October, before Croatia play Spain again on 6 October.

Bilic’s squad announcement came after a period in which Modric’s position with the national team had been the subject of considerable discussion. His age and the demands of continuing at international level had led to questions over whether he would remain available for Croatia.

However, Bilic has chosen to retain the veteran midfielder as he begins his latest spell in charge. Modric is therefore set to feature in a demanding run of Nations League matches against the Czech Republic, Spain and England.

The selection was presented as Bilic’s first squad list since returning as Croatia head coach, with the announcement published ahead of the September and October fixtures.

Croatia’s official post read: “Upon his return as Croatia head coach, Slaven Bilic presents the squad list for the upcoming Nations League encounters in September and October!”

The announcement was accompanied by the hashtags #UNL, #HrabarBroj, #Family and #Vatreni.

Modric’s inclusion means the Croatia captain will remain involved as the team prepares for four matches across the two-month international programme. Spain will be their opponents twice, while the Czech Republic and England complete the schedule.

The first fixture against the Czech Republic will open Croatia’s group-stage campaign on 26 September, with Spain providing the opposition three days later. England will then face Croatia on 3 October, followed by the second meeting with Spain on 6 October.

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