Sime Vrsaljko

Right-back, 26, Atletico Madrid

Perhaps best known to England fans as the man sent off against Arsenal in this season’s Europa League semi finals, Vrsaljko is an increasingly impressive full-back who played a central part in the playoff victory over Greece that earned Croatia their place in Russia.

The 26-year-old (above, left) began his senior career at Dinamo Zagreb, but after four straight titles left for Italy in 2013. After three seasons in Serie A – one with Genoa, two at Sassuolo – he joined Diego Simeone’s Atletico, where he was part of the team that defeated Marseille in last month’s Europa League final.

We can expect to see Vrsaljko getting forward plenty in Russia, sometimes as the highest and widest player on the right – which allows whoever plays in front of him, most likely Kalinic or Perisic, to drift into central areas. He has a deadly delivery from wide areas and is a likely source of assists for as long as Croatia remain in the tournament.

Ivan Rakitic

Midfielder, 30, Barcelona

Another of Croatia’s big names, Rakitic will be central to any success the national side has in Russia this summer. The Barcelona midfielder made his debut against Estonia in 2007 and has since racked up more than 90 appearances for his country.

The midfielder made his senior debut at FC Basel in Switzerland, the country of his birth, before moving to Germany and Schalke two years later. An impressive spell in Germany earned Rakitic a move to Sevilla in 2011, where he eventually caught the eye of Barcelona as a potential replacement for the legendary Xavi. Rakitic has enjoyed a successful spell at the Catalan club, winning three La Liga titles and one Champions League.

The 30-year-old will dictate Croatia’s game from a position just in front of his defence. It is his presence that gives licence to his full-backs and fellow midfielders to attack in numbers, and his technical ability means he is always a point of contact if they need to recycle possession. Croatia can look lost without Rakitic in the side. He is that important.