As Croatia prepare for another World Cup campaign, one of the country's greatest football figures believes the future is already taking shape.

Former captain Darijo Srna has backed highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic to become one of the next major stars of European football, while also insisting that Croatia's highly anticipated clash with England is far more balanced than many observers believe.

The legendary right-back, who earned 134 caps for Croatia and captained the national team for seven years, has followed Vuskovic's development for much longer than most.

For Srna, the connection is personal.

The former Croatia international played alongside Vuskovic's father, Danijel, during their youth days at Hajduk Split and has watched both Luka and his brother Mario grow up around the game.

As a result, he feels uniquely qualified to judge the teenager's enormous potential.

"He Plays Like a 25-Year-Old"

Vuskovic has quickly become one of the most talked-about young defenders in European football.

Already contracted to Tottenham and coming off an impressive loan spell in Germany, the teenager continues to attract attention from clubs across the continent.

According to Srna, the excitement surrounding the young centre-back is fully justified.

"I know Luka from when he was a kid because I played in the youth categories at Hajduk Split with his father, Danijel. He is a very good friend of mine," Srna said.

"I know Luka and Mario, his two sons. They are amazing kids with amazing talent."

The praise only intensified when Srna described the maturity Vuskovic already shows on the pitch.

"Luka has already shown that he will have an amazing future. He plays with so much confidence that I have the feeling he is a 25-year-old player."

For a defender still at the beginning of his professional career, that level of composure has become one of his defining qualities.

Srna believes Croatia have found another cornerstone for the future.

"For sure, he is part of the future of European football and of the Croatian national team."

England Await in a Huge World Cup Test

While much attention is focused on Croatia's next generation, a major challenge awaits in the present.

Croatia are preparing for a blockbuster World Cup showdown against England, a match many see as one of the most intriguing fixtures of the group stage.

Despite England's impressive squad and international pedigree, Srna refuses to label them favourites.

The former defender has enormous respect for England manager Thomas Tuchel and acknowledges his achievements at the highest level of club football.

"I know Tuchel very well as a coach. I respect him a lot," Srna said.

"Of course, he is one of the best coaches in the world. He has already shown that."

However, admiration does not mean fear.

"As Croatian people, we respect England, but I think it will be a very difficult match for both sides."

Rather than seeing a clear favourite, Srna expects a tightly contested battle.

"Chances are 50-50 because Croatia is a very good and balanced team, with a lot of experience and young players as well."

"It will be a very interesting game."

Croatia's Winning Mentality Remains

Croatia enter the tournament carrying one of the strongest World Cup records of any nation over the last decade.

The finalists in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022 have consistently exceeded expectations despite representing a country of fewer than four million people.

Those achievements have naturally raised expectations once again.

Yet Srna believes perspective remains important.

"Croatia managed to achieve amazing results in the last five or six years and, of course, we are very confident."

"We have a very good team and a balanced team."

At the same time, he cautioned against placing excessive pressure on the players.

"It's not fair to put pressure on Croatia because we are a small country."

"We cannot achieve amazing results at every World Cup or every European Championship."

Instead, Srna believes supporters should simply appreciate what this generation continues to accomplish.

"We must enjoy watching Croatia's games and support them until the end."

One thing, however, remains certain.

"Croatia is a very dangerous national team for everyone."

Friendly Results Mean Little Now

Recent defeats against Brazil and Belgium in pre-tournament friendlies prompted some concern among supporters.

Srna, however, sees little reason for alarm.

For him, preparation matches and tournament football are completely different environments.

"Friendly games are friendly games, but this is an official match."

The former captain also expressed complete confidence in head coach Zlatko Dalic's ability to learn from those performances.

"I know the coach analysed those games very well."

"He is an experienced coach, and we trust him."

"We believe in him."

With Dalic's experience and Croatia's proven tournament mentality, Srna remains optimistic about what lies ahead.

Standing with Ukraine

Away from football, Srna also spoke passionately about his continued commitment to Ukraine.

The Croatian spent 15 years with Shakhtar Donetsk and has remained with the club in various roles since retiring, currently serving as sporting director.

His connection to Ukraine remains as strong as ever.

Even during the ongoing conflict, Srna continues to support humanitarian efforts aimed at helping those affected.

"I'm doing all I can to help people in Ukraine," he said.

The former captain praised the charitable work being carried out by Shakhtar's ownership and emphasized the importance of continuing assistance for families who have suffered through years of hardship.

For Srna, loyalty has always been one of his defining qualities—whether representing Croatia, serving Shakhtar Donetsk or supporting the people of Ukraine.

And as Croatia prepare for another World Cup journey, he believes the country's future remains bright, led by emerging talents such as Luka Vuskovic and guided by a squad capable of challenging anyone on football's biggest stage.