Luka Modrić will turn 41 on Wednesday, but the Croatia captain is not ready to bring his international career to an end. The Croatian Football Federation has confirmed that the midfielder intends to remain available for the national team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, including the highly anticipated meeting with England.

Modrić’s decision comes at the same time as Slaven Bilić returns as head coach of Croatia. The pair are already familiar with each other, having worked together during Bilić’s first spell in charge of the national team between 2006 and 2012.

Modrić made his senior international debut for Croatia in March 2006, shortly before Bilić was first appointed as national team manager. Two decades later, the midfielder has made 202 appearances for his country and remains one of the most influential figures in Croatian football.

There had been expectations that Modrić would retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup this summer. Instead, the veteran midfielder has chosen to continue, giving Croatia another opportunity to rely on his experience and leadership on the international stage.

“Of course, Luka’s decision makes me very happy,” Bilić said. “We all know what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch. I am really looking forward to working with him again after 14 years. We are united by a strong desire to keep Croatia among the leading and successful teams, alongside the best sides in the world.”

Croatia will begin their next international campaign in the UEFA Nations League with an away trip to face the Czech Republic on September 26, followed by a meeting with Spain on September 29. The Croatians will then host England on October 3, before travelling to Wembley Stadium for the return fixture on November 12.