England vs. Croatia -Euro 2021 - Match Analysis, Review, Match report, Preview, prediction, team news, lineups

England vs. Croatia: As it happened

Match report:

England have beaten Croatia in their opening game of Euro 2020 as Sterling's only goal separated two sides at the full time whistle.

ENGLAND                 1-0                      CROATIA

8                                           Shots                                      8

2                                    Shots on target                              2

49%                                  Possession                                51%

454                                      Passes                                   458

83%                               Pass accuracy                              53%

9                                          Fouls                                       10

1                                     Yellow cards                                  3

0                                      Red cards                                     0

2                                        Offside                                        2

GOALS: Sterling at 57 minute assisted by Kevin Phillips

MATCH ANALYSIS:

It was an pretty even match in terms of shots and possession as both sides took at shots in total and 2 shots actually hit on target as one of those 2 shots from England went back in back with a fine finish from Raheem Sterling as it was brilliantly assisted by Kevin Phillips. Phillips beaten two of Croatia's defenders and slotted it in the path of Sterling.

In the Lineups there were two big surprises as England's manager Gareth Southgate started Trippier and Foden instead of Shaw and Graelish. On the other side Croatia had same line-up as expected.

Although Croatia had more possession but they never seemed to be a threat for England's goalkeeper and defenders. England has started the tournament on a high by claiming a good victory over Croatia. On the other hand Croatia need to bounce back quickly as there is shortage of time to do so. 

Preview:

England's journey to Euro 2020 begins on Sunday as they are going to host Croatia at Wembley Stadium in what to be thought as an entertaining game as both of the teams will be looking to start their tournament on a high. England are one of the favorites of this tournament a their squad looks good enough to compete with big teams like France but match against Croatia will be real test for Gareth Southgate's men as Croatia were the finalists of 2018 World cup.

England fans will be hoping to bring this years European championship home as their hopes were shattered by high flying Croatia in the Semi final of World cup 2018. Surely Harry Kane and his men still have those bitter memories in their minds and they will be hoping to take revenge of that defeat by beating Croatia at Wembley Stadium. Croatia on the other hand will be looking to repeat the Semi final performance and beat England at Wembley which can be a statement win for Croatia.

CURRENT FORM:

England: WWWWWW

CROATIA: LLWWDL

England seemed to be in red hot form while Croatia is not in their finest form as their defensive vows have cost them few games on the trot.

TEAM NEWS:

For England there is a major boost in their line-up with the return of center back Harry Maguire.

For Croatia central defender Dejan Lovern is still doubtful and is not expected to start the opening game.

PREDICTED LINE-UP's:

England:

Gareth Southgate is going to field 4-3-3 formation.

                                                      

                                                        Pickford

     

        Walker                    Stones                        Mings                        Shaw

                    

                      Philips                          Rice                            Mount

                   

                     Rashford                       Kane                           Graelish

Croatia:

Zlatko Dalić is also going to play a system of back four with formation 4-3-3.

                       Perisic                          Petkovic                         Rebic

                       

                       Kovacic                        Brozovic                         Modric      

         

          Barisic                  Caleta-car                           Vida                     Vesaljko

                                                            Livakovic   

PREDICTION:

England team looks strong on paper and with a lot of young talent. They will be looking to win their first match of Euro 2020 in front of 22,500 supporters in the Wembley stadium.

England 2-1 Croatia