Saints defender Dejan Lovren has been selected in Croatia's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup.

The 24-year-old is a regular with his national team, and should make the cut for the final 23, when coach Niko Kovac trims the group at the end of the month.

Croatia warm up for this summer's tournament with friendly games against Mali and Australia.

In Brazil, they have been drawn in a group with the hosts, who they facein the opening match, as well as Cameroon and Mexico.