By Michael Place
MOSCOW, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has backed his team's defense to quell England striker Harry Kane when the sides meet in their World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
Kane is leading the Golden Boot race with six goals and is one short of eclipsing Gary Lineker as England's highest ever scorer at a World Cup.
But Dalic has drawn confidence from his team's ability to nullify Lionel Messi and Christian Eriksen earlier in the tournament.
"We believe in our strengths," the 51-year-old told a press conference. "We don't fear England. He [Kane] is top scorer - he's not easy to stop. But we have top center-backs. We managed to stop Messi and [Christian] Eriksen so hopefully we can stop Kane."
Croatia's ability to keep Kane in check could hinge on the fitness of right-back Sime Vrsaljko, who is in doubt for the match with a knee injury.
His absence would likely hand a start to Vedran Corluka in the center of defense alongside Dejan Lovren, shifting Domagoj Vida to right-back.
Meanwhile Dalic said he sees no areas to exploit in the England team.
"I wouldn't say there are any glaring weaknesses - they are in the semi-finals, that says it all," he said. "They showed from the games I've seen so far that they play direct football and they are very fast.
"They are really good at set-pieces and their tall players are dangerous at corners. I think Raheem Sterling is an important player because he is really fast and his combination with Harry Kane is really dangerous."
