England vs Croatia: Preview
England and Croatia will be aiming to snatch a place in the Nations League knockout stages when they meet at Wembley in Sunday’s final group game.
Only goal difference separates the sides after they both recorded shock victories over Spain, who remain two points clear at the top but have no matches left to play.
There were five goals scored in their last UNL matches, and this is a must win game for both sides.
England are in a good form clearly shown during their last game against USA, in which Wayne Rooney made his final appearence for the Three Lions. The home team won at Wembley 3-0 and will now be hoping for a similar performance against a team they lost to in the semis of the World Cup.
Wayne Rooney will drop out of the squad after making a farewell appearance in Thursday’s friendly victory over USA, when Alex McCarthy, Lewis Dunk and goalscorer Callum Wilson all made their senior debuts.
The players were well rested and there are no significant worries for the manager Gareth Southagate, who can be particularly pleased with the perfomance of his youngsters - Jadon Sancho, Alexander-Arnold and Delle Alli.
Having scored just one goal between them in the opening two group games, it was certainly a shock to see both of these teams put three past Spain and revive their chances of capturing top spot. Especially for Croatia, so Zlatko Dalic didn't hide his delight after the game against Spain.
Tin Jedvaj was an unlikely hero for the Croatia, having scored two goals against Spain. Those were his first two goals for the national team, as he played at this pretty much un-natural position, at the left-back. He is surely brimming with confidence now, but will be tested seriously against England.
As for other injury problems, Ivan Rakitic will be assessed after being taken off due to a suspected muscle strain against Spain.
England and Croatia Betting Odds and Predictions
The home team are playing some really good football lately and will be in far better shape after playing an easy friendly game against USA. It will probably be just a little too much for the Croats to handle two extremely demanding games in such short period of time...
Editor's Pick
England could just take advantage of their favourable cirmustances and win this one easily. Take them @1.95.