England face Croatia in the last game of the year on Sunday. A win at Wembley on Sunday would round of a brilliant year for the Three Lions as it would book their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. This would mean a chance at winning the whole competition. However, they come up against World Cup finalists Croatia. They beat Spain 3-2 on Thursday to evenly poise the group.
Last Time Out
The last game between the two sides was a dull 0-0 draw in Croatia. It is more memorable for being played in front of zero fans in Rijeka. This was because Croatia were sanctioned by UEFA after a swastika marked the pitch in a qualifying match against Italy in 2016. Hopefully, it should be more entertaining at Wembley.
England have the better record of the two sides in the head to head stats. England have won four of the seven games played between the sides. They have lost the other three and drawn two.
What To Expect From England?
A fully-fit squad trained ahead of the game, meaning Southgate has 25 players to pick from. It is likely that he will stick to a 4-3-3 system. He abandoned the 3-5-2 he favoured during the World Cup in favour of 4-3-3 to benefit the likes of Jadon Sancho coming through the ranks.
Starting Sancho is one of the selection dilemma’s that Southgate is facing. The 18 year old bagged an assist on his first start at Wembley and looked unfazed at the occasion. He has had a phenomenal season at Dortmund too. Sancho has scored four goals and got six assists in just 11 games this season. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his pace may prove vital in the game.
Who to start up front may also be a difficult choice for Gareth Southgate. Harry Kane was an unused substitute while Callum Wilson scored on his England debut against USA. Many have speculated that Kane may be tired after the World Cup. Kane’s international experience may get him the nod over Wilson. However, with the form that Callum Wilson is in, Southgate may choose to stick with.
How To Stop Croatia?
Pressing Luka Modric is the best way to stop Croatia. Modric has had a fantastic year, being nominated for the Ballon d’Or among other achievements. He also lead Croatia to the World Cup final and won the Champions League with Real Madrid. If Southgate opts to play a 4-3-3 then he may opt for a defensive midfielder. Eric Dier may be the man, as he can press Modric and break-up the play going through the middle.
Elsewhere, Ivan Perisic may cause problems for the England full-backs. Last season Perisic scored 11 goals and assisted seven for his Inter Milan side. He has started this season slightly slower, with just the two goals and two assists from 12 games. However, his pace and trickery will still prove testing for England. Southgate may opt for experience at the back.
Prediction
The game is likely to be cagey, with neither side wanting to concede an early goal. However, the pace of England side may prove too much for an aging Croatia.
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