Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has heaped glowing praise on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, whom he feels is partly responsible for England’s success in reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years.

Guardiola’s expansive style of play helped City to the Premier League title and they are favourites to retain the title this season. Scholes feels he deserves credit for helping to inspire the Three Lions, having often played three at the back.

Southgate has adopted a similar system for the World Cup finals. He has insisted that England move the ball at pace and has encouraged the squad to enjoy their football, and they are now preparing for a semi-final showdown with Croatia on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Man City’s 2018/19 fixtures

READ MORE: England stars are heroes but can return as legends

READ MORE: Is Pochettino the most influential coach at the World Cup?

Scholes, who played for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, praised Guardiola’s coaching ability and says the Spaniard has helped England’s progress.

“He is definitely [an influence on England],” Scholes said on Bein Sports.

‘Especially when you see the way they’ve got the back three, the way they’ve got the goalkeeper playing.

“I don’t think Gareth [Southgate] has made any secret of that. He’s been to see Pep and he’s picked his brain.

“He wants to know how he produces that type of football. As an England fan and ex-England player, we want to see the best possible football.

“Spain played the best football, Manchester City played the best football, so why not try and copy that type of play?”

Southgate admitted before the start of the tournament he has studied Guardiola closely at City and spoke at length with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager.

The England manager decided soon after taking on the reins he wanted to deploy three in defence, with full-back Kyle Walker being asked to play at centre-back in the current system.

Croatia will be England’s toughest test by some distance after knockout games against Colombia and Sweden.

However, they may also be jaded, having had to come through two periods of extra time and the psychologically draining penalty shootouts in the space of six days.

England are now second favourites to win the World Cup at 5/2 with Genting Bet, behind France. Croatia are 4/1.