Lovren: ‘I’m one of the best defenders in the world’

Croatia knocked England out of the World Cup in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Moscow.

The night started so well for England. Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier scored his first ever England goal with a fifth minute direct free-kick.

But Croatia levelled in the second half. Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic drilled home a low left footed shot.

Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic won the match in extra time.

John Stones switched off for a split second, and Mandzukic stole in to score the winner.

After the match, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren spoke to BeIN Sport.

Lovren took the opportunity to call himself  “one of the best defenders in the world”.

In the run up to the England game, may predicted that Tottenham’s Harry Kane would give Lovren a torrid time.

But the Liverpool defender won that battle, which gave him confidence to state the following:

From my point of view, people said I had a difficult season but I don’t agree.

I took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League. Now with my national team we are in the final.

I think people should recognise that I am also one of the best defenders in the world and not just talk nonsense.

Real Madrid star Luka Madrid star Luka Modric also had a pop at England after the semi-final.

Modric argued that England underestimated Croatia. He said:

People were talking … English journalists, pundits from television. They underestimated Croatia tonight and that was a huge mistake.

All these words from them we take, we were reading and we were saying: ‘OK, today we will see who will be tired.’ They should be more humble and respect their opponents more.

ARIS