Tonight's opponents are in buoyant mood after their impressive 2-2 draw against France, and Eriksson said: "I'm full of respect for Croatia. They are a good team. In the second half against France they played extremely well.
"They are full of confidence and on counter-attacks they are extremely dangerous. We will have to play very good football to go through."
Eriksson, whose team will play Portugal or Greece in the quarter-finals should they get there, also backed Michael Owen to score against Croatia, despite substituting the striker in both of England's opening games.
He said: "Michael will start the match again. He played better against Switzerland than against France - he was more lively and took more initiative.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he starts to score goals on Monday.
"All the world knows he is a great goalscorer and sooner or later, he will score. Give him one chance, and the ball is there."
