Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
4-2-3-1
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison

(2) 2 Goals 3 (4)
(2) 1 Assists 3 (4)
(6.7) 6.8 Average Ratings 6.6 (6.5)
29.2 Average Age 31.9
182.5 Average Height (cm) 184.1
(1.1) 1.2 Shots pg 1.1 (0.9)
(56%) 57% Aerial Duel Success 48% (51%)
(1) 1.3 Dribbles pg 1.1 (1)
(1.2) 1.2 Tackles pg 1.2 (1.4)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in EURO Grp. D.

Missing Players

England
Croatia
Player Reason Status Rating
Harry Maguire Doubtful 7.34
Bukayo Saka Doubtful 6.96
No missing players.

Team News

England
Croatia
  • Harry Maguire is unlikely to make England's opener against Croatia despite returning to training on Friday. Gareth Southgate would have surely known this ahead of England's warm-up games yet didn't opt to test a back three suggesting he won't suddenly switch to it on Sunday, though has reportedly practiced a 3-4-3 system with Luke Shaw as a centre-back in training. Tyrone Mings or Ben White should partner John Stones at the back in a four.
  • Another big issue for Southgate is none of the Manchester City or Chelsea players featured in a minute of either warm-up game due to the timing of the Champions League final and they account for seven members of the squad. Many of whom would usually start for England but how many can he really put straight in.
  • Jack Grealish surely has as good a chance as any to start their opener given he played in both friendlies and was arguably England's best player in that time, albeit not from a high bar. Phil Foden will not doubt play a major role for England this summer but the fact he didn't play in either friendly may go against him initially. Marcus Rashford could even be a surprise inclusion over both.
  • Jordan Henderson made his comeback from injury in England's 1-0 win over Romania last weekend but is 45 minutes in the space of nearly four months enough to warrant a starting berth?
  • Raheem Sterling shouldn't really get into the side on form but he has been a regular under Southgate and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start on Sunday.
  • Croatia pretty much showed their hand in their friendlies by fielding near full strength sides each time.
  • There are really only three positions up for grabs heading into Sunday's opener with England.
  • Bruno Petkovic and Andrej Kramaric and in competition for one spot up front, Josip Brekalo and Ante Rebic for a place on the wing and Mateo Kovacic and Nikola Vlasic for a spot in midfield.

Prediction

  • This is a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final where Croatia ended England's dreams with a 2-1 win in extra-time. They have faced off two times since then with England winning one and the other ending in a draw.
  • Neither side have caught the eye in the build up to Euro 2020. England won both of their friendlies against Austria and Romania by 1-0 margins without really impressing, while Croatia drew 1-1 with Armenia before losing 1-0 to Belgium.
  • There is so much pressure on England to start the group well but this is arguably their toughest match on paper and it wouldn't be at all surprising if they didn't win. Croatia's midfield is world class and England cannot afford the likes of Luka Modric to run the game.
© WhoScored.com

User Predictions

Comments (59)

 
  • Don't get your panties in a bunch, England still suck.

  • @splint3r yeah Croatia were garbage tbh

  • Modric 6.9 LEL

  • @GioMonaldo nice

  • I think the games are rigged indeed. Reason: Croatia did not look for a minute like they want to equalize!

  • @Zoltan Since 4 out of 6 third place teams also advance Croatia didn't want to screw up their goals against average. They were fine with a narrow defeat.

  • @Zoltan lol

  • @Zoltan Given how the brackets are split, it is actually more beneficial to finish second in the group. The group winner will play the runner up of group F, i.e. one of Portugal, France and Germany, while the runner up will play the runner up of group E, most likely one of Poland and Sweden. I'm not in the least bit suprised that Croatia weren't that keen for the win.

  • @Maniac Are you seriously trying to suggest that they lost on purpose?

  • @OVNR No, I'm saying that they were indifferent to the loss. They just played the match on cruise control to see it through. As @Chilly_B says, it's an awkward situation similar to the 2018 World Cup game between England and Belgium where it was literally more beneficial to lose.

  • @OVNR obviously not but a loss is actually a good outcome for Croatia, sets them up for an easy RO16 like England did in 2018

  • England defence doing well. Not sure about Mr Kane up front.

  • cmon croatia make 1-1

  • Where is Foden's post?

  • @Agm_546 For some reason it doesn't count as a hit post when the goalie touches the ball before. Stupid rule...

  • @neumi17 Ok, thank you bro

  • ...because normally you want to finish up an opponent already laying on the floor, instead of giving him a chance to come back into the game and finish you up instead!

  • Can somebody explain to me why did England put on the handbrakes after a great start???

  • @Zoltan They didn't.. they were just predictable

  • @Zoltan heat

  • @newoxet Excuses.

  • Rashford-Foden-Sancho would be the best possible lineup for England.....

  • @Zoltan *Foden-Mount-Sancho

  • England plays very well until now, much better than at the WC18

  • Sterling has been terrible all season yet he starts ahead of Grealish and Sancho !

  • @Rensen and awful Walker too, Southgate is a big City supporter it seems

  • No wonder a non-compromising, gifted, confident player such as Jadon Sancho is not part of the England national team. He does not fit in! LOL

  • Over 2.5 goals England goalkeeper and defence very poor.

  • croatia winning

  • It's a good line up for England..let's see what mount kane foden will do...expect them to score first half...or some other t'mate.. So go for an England win and both to score @3.95

  • @ptahkg Rice and Phillips who have won absolutely nothing up against Modric and Kovacic, Southgate is clueless mate. Pickford in goal lol. No Grealish? Lol.

  • Over 2,5 seems like the safest bet. Croatian midfield looks scary.

  • @SlobbaN The only "safe bet" is not to bet. Stop loosing money, people, the game is rigged.

  • The score will be around 5-2 for Anglia of course!A hattrick from Kane,maybe Steerling and no doubtely Declan Rice once or twice,much depends on Steerling,he is like a diva!Depends of his mood...sunny,rainy,cloudly,stormy en zo voor.

  • @MasterBet XD

  • It's actually funny some English idiots think they are the strong favorite here. They just never learn. X2 without a doubt.

  • @NHJ XD

  • anyone ele emember that croatia england game at wembley?

  • Over 1.5 goals

  • Both to score.

  • 1-1

  • 0-1

  • This will be a very tough game for England.The croatian midfield is class.

  • I'll be shocked is Rashford does not come on and score the winner, shocked I say.

  • @Caseyyy1 Shockedy shock shook shake

  • Modrić to show class again

  • 1:0 for England and Chilwell on the pitch instead of Grealish

  • 3-1 Croatia.

  • Important note: England will play all 3 group matches at home in London. And if they get the 1st place, which they will, they will play the whole tournament at home, including the final.

  • @hellreaper Except the Quarter-final. And that's exactly where they're going out of the tournament.

  • @hellreaper surely this is such an advantage to England

  • @idiot It could add to the pressure. England usually crambles under pressure in big tournaments.

  • @Ivannnnn yes, many possibilities and factors at play but it for sure makes life easier, being in one location