HERE we go again – it’s time to dream that England can finally end 55 years of hurt.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign with a clash against Croatia on home soil, looking to banish the ghost of three years ago.
Croatia were the side that ended England’s World Cup dream in Russia and you can catch the revenge mission on BBC ONE at 2pm this Sunday.
England vs Croatia risk free bet + 88/1 bet builder tip
What’s the form?
It’s been a breeze for England in qualifying, sweeping through to the finals without a hiccup and currently on a six-game winning run.
History is – seemingly as always – against the Three Lions though, with England having never won an opening match in the Euros.
Croatia meanwhile are arguably not the side they were in Moscow, but still carry a considerable threat.
They topped their qualifying group ahead of Wales and will be desperate to stun the English infront of a partisan home crowd.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Southgate has an abundance of talent at the top end of the pitch – it’s at the back where the problems might lie.
Harry Kane will be trusted with getting the goals, while Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford are all pushing to start either side of the skipper.
Harry Maguire is back in training but the call-up of Brighton’s Ben White suggests the United man won’t be ready for this one.
Croatia boast some star names and in the engine room Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ante Rebic will hope to power their side to a shock.
The best team for the game with Croatia may not be the best team for the game with Scotland.
We have to make sure we get those calls right.
Gareth Southgate
Watch out for…
Phil Foden’s questionable barnet.
The Man City star could be one of the players to light up the tournament after a breakthrough season at the Etihad.
And in homage to Gazza’s iconic bleached locks at Euro 96, he’s gone blonde himself.
We’ve a sneaking suspicion that it’ll be Foden’s efforts on the pitch rather than his lid that we’re talking about come July.
England are definitely a quality team and one of the favourites to win this tournament, I don’t think they have any weak points in particular.
Ante Rebic, Croatia
If the game’s rubbish…
You can count how many times the camera pans to the England Wags in the crowd.
With the game being at Wembley, you can expect a full entourage to be supporting the boys as they look to make a winning start.
Match odds
- England to win 8/13 @ Paddy Power
- Both teams to score 5/4 @ Betfair
- Harry Kane to score first 13/5 @ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
