12 Jun 2019
England and Croatia first met back in 1996, a 0-0 friendly draw. Given that score line, few would have predicted that their next seven encounters would feature 31 goals. Then again, few would have expected them to feature up against one another in a World Cup semi-final.
Off the back of their successful World Cup campaigns this summer in Russia, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for either side. Both sides will no doubt be determined to put recent results behind them though, as they look to record their first points in the UEFA Nations League.
Having both lost their first fixtures at the hands of a seemingly rejuvenated Spanish side, England will hope they can inflict immediate revenge after their world cup heartache with a youthful feel to their squad. Meanwhile, the Croatians will most likely again rely on an often-overlooked shell of superstars.
Here we break down all you need to know.
Class Is Permanent
There’s no doubt that Croatia have the tools to devastate England through a golden generation of players that include the likes of golden ball winner Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic.
The first of those men also scooped the "Best Male Player" award at the recent Best FIFA Football Awards, while both Rakitic and Perisic have been on the winning side against Tottenham players in this season’s Champions League with Barcelona and Inter Milan respectively. England regulars Harry Kane and Eric Dier will hope that theme doesn’t continue for them?
Per-ilous Perisic
Perhaps most fresh in the memory for the Spurs duo will be Rakitic’s thunderous strike last week, but for us it could again be Perisic that causes most devastation. The 29-year old that nabbed a goal and assisted the winning goal against England on July 11th either side of hitting the post has been somewhat of a stalwart for Croatia down the years.
His big game pedigree is undeniable and as the man that covered the most ground at this year’s World Cup (72.5 kilometres) and recorded the most sprints (357), he’ll no doubt be a menace against Southgate’s men.
He also recorded the second highest number of shots on goal at this summer’s tournament (22), with his goal scoring strike in the final making him the first every Croatian to score in a World Cup final as well as Croatia’s highest scorer at a major tournament (11 goals).
Across his three full seasons at Inter Milan, he’s been involved in 56 goals. As a traditionally high scoring match-up, we fancy him to get his name on the scoresheet here at football betting odds of 11/4.
With Perisic on fire, Croatia also look enticing to bounce back from their 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Spain with a win at UEFA Nations League betting odds of 17/20.
England’s Forgotten Man
Although the stage may be set for the likes of debutant teenagers, Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount to make a name for themselves given the chance, the absence of Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard may present the biggest chance for Ross Barkley.
Still just 24, the Chelsea man hasn’t featured in an England squad since May 2016 but looks a revitalised player under new Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri.
Off the back of a first goal and assist in the Premier League for 16 months against Southampton last weekend, the scene is certainly set and he comes in at betting odds of 5/1 to score anytime. Captain Kane now has four goals in his last five games, also an enticing prospect at 13/10 to score anytime.
If England can get the likes of Rashford and Welbeck firing on all cylinders too, England could snatch this one at football betting odds of 7/4 for a win.
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