Croatia vs England
Match Preview
Croatia suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Spain in the previous round and will be looking for a much better performance on home soil. They conceded after just two minutes but quickly found an equalizer. However, as the match progressed, Spain’s superior intensity became clear and Croatia struggled to keep up.
Croatia will be without defenders Erlic, Juranovic and Caleta-Car, midfielder Moro, and forward Orsic.
England, meanwhile, comfortably defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 away from home, producing a professional performance and justifying their status as favourites. The visitors showed greater intensity and took full control after the hosts were reduced to ten men, with the result never seriously in doubt.
England have several notable absences for this international break. Henderson, O'Reilly, Livramento, Stones, James and Spence are missing from defence, while Rice, Palmer, Mainoo and Henderson are unavailable in midfield. Up front, Rashford and Watkins are also absent.
England come into the match as favourites, but Croatia should be more competitive at home and are unlikely to simply sit back. These sides know each other well after their recent meeting, and with Croatia expected to take a more attacking approach, another entertaining encounter could be on the cards.