England v Croatia Preview

Although I vaguely remember Spain in 1982 my first vivid memory of a World Cup was Mexico in 1986. Quite proudly at the time I had my Platini shirt and watched one of the greatest ever midfielders strut his stuff and get France to the semi finals.

In the same tournament I had the pleasure of seeing one of the best ever goals scored as well. I don’t think any other player could go from hero to villain so much in one game as Maradona did against England, in that enthralling quarter final.

Fast forward 30 odd years and Harry Kane is odds on to emulate Gary Lineker and secure the Golden Boot. England have already gone one round further and with the team buzzing with confidence, they can secure their place in the World Cup Final.

Big Decisions to be made

For me the biggest decision to make for Southgate so far, is who he starts on Wednesday against Croatia. As mentioned in the England v Sweden Preview we have remained positive and have been the aggressors in all of the games bar Belgium thus far.

My fear is that instead of making the undoubtedly talented Croatian midfield worry about our attacking threat, we will line up too defensive. There is talk that Southgate will bring in Dier alongside Henderson. For me this just plays into Croatia’s hands.

This isn’t just about Dier, yes I personally think he is a good club footballer. In my opinion though, he lacks the pace to be an International great. It’s more about the mindset, if we change now we are handing the initiative to Croatia and with that probably some of the possession.

England’s Attacking Threat

On their day Croatia are a lovely side to watch but I really think they are a side we can get after. Under pressure I do not believe their talented squad are as good going backwards, as they are on the front foot.

If you look at the way they set up, you could say they only have one really defensively minded midfielder in Rakitic. I have a lot of time for Perisic and Rebic. However, I think the way England have set up during the tournament benefits them massively. We can ensure they are more worried about our wing backs, than we are of their attacking threat.

England’s back three have been immense and although Mandzukic is a handful I think we have more than enough to keep him quiet. If we can get Trippier and Young on the front foot this gives Croatia a decision to make. They either have to ask Perisic and Rebic to track back. Or it will mean that Modric and Rakitic will have to cover a lot of ground across the midfield.

This is where the big battle will be won or lost for England.

Time For Alli To Step Up

You may have noticed in previous articles that I am a massive Loftus-Cheek fan. With that said, a fit Dele Alli on his day can win any game. He has the knack of being in the right place at the right time and his understanding of the game is superb.

If England go with two more attacking midfielders and Alli being fit, I see this as being England’s way in.

A lot of people have bemoaned Raheem Sterling’s performances but his work off the ball is immense. What people tend not to see, is how his runs create so much more space for players like Alli and Lingard.

This is why for me we have to keep the same formation. If we don’t, I can only see England having the ball in front of the Croatian midfield. If we can get them turning the other way, for me this game is for the taking.

The Croatian’s have played 120 minutes in their last two games. They are an ageing squad and not too much pace at the back. Its Coming home!

Key Match Up – Lingard v Rakitic

You could have key battles all over the park but I am going to throw this one out there.

This may not seem like the key battle to most watching. Lingard however, will be tasked with keeping Rakitic quiet as much as posing an attacking threat.

With Rakitic sitting just in front of the back four his passing abilities enable Croatia to break quickly. This turns defence into attack in a blink of an eye.

Southgate will be looking at Lingard, who closed down so well against Sweden, to not let any opposing players settle on the ball.

Predictions

If Southgate is bold and keeps the faith I can see England winning this 3-1.

Should we go defensive for me its a toss of the coin and it could turn into a bit of a stalemate. Either team sneaking it 1-0.

With 75% of England’s goals coming from set pieces this looks a good route. Maguire looks a great bet for Anytime Goalscorer at around 11/1 with Unibet.