Croatia v England preview

WC Qualifiers

Slaven Bilic has admitted that a past memory of Fabio Capello will ensure Croatia will not take the English team lightly.

Bilic can recall the 1994 European Cup final when Capello masterminded a shock 4-0 AC Milan victory over red-hot favourites Barcelona.

Now the former West Ham player knows the expectations are on his side to beat England after overcoming them twice in the Euro 2008 qualification group.

Bilic said: "There is more expectation and pressure on us this time. We are always under pressure. We don't want to run away from this pressure.

"We are Croatia and, of course, you are under pressure. If you want to be in the top five or so in the world rankings and compete with the best and qualify for the World Cup, you have to cope with the pressure.

"The way England are approaching this game is that we are favourites and that England don't stand a chance and it reminds me of the 1994 European Cup final, Barcelona v Milan.

"Barcelona had a lot of star players and Capello was in charge of Milan and two weeks before everyone was saying Barcelona were going to kill them - and it finished 4-0 for AC Milan.

"I don't know if Barcelona were approaching that game like it was a jolly-up and was too easy but we are not like that. We are full of respect for this England team.

"They have world-class players, who have been key players for their clubs week in and week out for 10 years, and we know it is going to be hard and we are full of respect - but we are very confident."

Capello insists England must perform "without fear" after claiming he currently prefers to play away from Wembley because the players lack confidence in front of their own fans.

England were beaten 2-0 in Zagreb two years ago in a Euro 2008 qualifier and will again be confronted with a hostile atmosphere in the Maksimir Stadium.

But Capello has sensed a growing belief among his players during the 10 days they have been together which he feels is not evident when in action at Wembley.

The former Real Madrid boss said: "I think we have worked very well for these nine, 10 days and I see the players having a lot of confidence.

"They are are getting better day by day and I am sure that tomorrow night we will be okay and we will perform.

"Of course, you have to pay big attention to the counter-attack of Croatia. I think they are also very dangerous from free-kicks and corners. This is one of their strong points.

"But we have to play with confidence and without fear and play very quickly. I understand the spirit of the group and the team and it is going up.

"We know Croatia never lose at home. Also, I think when England play at home at this moment, we don't play with a lot of confidence and I prefer to play away from England at this moment.

"But I am sure the players will play very well tomorrow."

A share of the spoils would be regarded as a positive result for England but Capello will not send his team out to play for a draw.

And he is hoping to expose any cracks that may have appeared in the belief of Croatia after they lost to Turkey on penalties during the Euro 2008 finals.

Capello said: "I never play for the draw. My idea is always to go to play for a win.

"I saw the Euro 2008 finals and Bilic did very impressive work with this team and they played very well.

"But I think losing on penalties to Turkey in the summer, at this moment they are not so confident as before."

Defender and vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has been passed fit to play after recovering from a neck injury which forced him out of last weekend's 2-0 victory over Andorra.