England face Croatia in Opener

I seem to have been here many times before. A young, talented squad, an experienced manager, optimism high and the public crying out for success. What could go wrong I hear you ask?

Well in previous major competitions, many different things. From In house squad disruptions and ego’s to Individual mistakes and rashness on the pitch. All of which have led to disappointment and a sense of underachievement, by a group of players for whom a nations Summer has often rested on their shoulders.

Not to tempt fate but it does seem a little different this time, the squad seem together and relaxed. Home advantage, coupled with a lot of match winners in the side and a depth of attacking talent to which I don’t think I have seen in an England squad before.

However, there is still concern at the back but for me. It’s not so much about the fitness of Maguire or the potential lack of International quality. In my opinion it’s about the lack of match time a back 3 or 4 have had playing together in a system that they are all comfortable with. A defence these days, as we know is more of a team effort. The ‘protection’ in front of your backline is often more important when breaking up play.

In Grealish we Trust

I think this England side are better at keeping the ball for longer periods of time than their predecessors in Major tournaments. I think that is going to be crucial. It does excite me to be able to say the names of Grealish, Foden, Mount and others like Bellingham that should be around this England set up for many years to come. In Grealish, England has both a fantastic talent, but almost even more important a player that will drive his team forward at every opportunity and motivate others around him. I think he has really matured this season in the Premier League and I fully expect him to have a great tournament if he remains fit.

England v Croatia

So back to the action and England host their most recent World Cup nemesis in Croatia. This time round however the ageing Croatia side have been struggling in the warm up fixtures and have a lot to prove coming into this tournament.

On that Fateful World Cup Semi Final night back in 2018 Croatia had pretty much the same team that will start this encounter, albeit without talent of Rakitic and Mandzukic. Whereas England would have changed pretty much half the team and brought in some real talent to support the like of Kane, Sterling and Stones.

Although Croatia have only won two of their last nine games they cannot be underestimated. They are a very experienced squad, that have played together for a long time. They will definitely cause this England team problems if they get the likes of Chillwell and Walker going backwards with Rebic and Perisic on their flanks. The midfield will be where it’s won or lost for me. Champions League winner Kovacic, alongside the mercurial talent of the ageing Modric, could still be very dangerous for England. I do expect England to have slightly more energy in the engine room however, which will enable them to manipulate possession.

Squad Depth Could be Key

Where I do think England have the edge is in the depth of their squad when it comes to match winners. Depending on who Gareth Southgate starts, you could potentially have a bench with the likes of Rashford, Foden, Sancho and Saka all ready to come on and turn a game. Although it could be a bit cagey in the first half as no team wants to lose their first game of the tournament. I think Southgate will be looking for all three points……… we think.

I say that because weirdly the Winners of Group D will face the second place from the Group of Death. So Winning this group could mean a last 16 tie against one of France, Germany or Portugal. Not something that any team will relish at any stage of the competition. A second place finish however could see you up against Poland or Sweden potentially, arguably a slightly easier task.

Predictions

Regardless of what I have said above, I don’t think any team can play for a second place group finish. Tournament football is all about building momentum. At the end of the day if you are good enough you will beat any team put in your way at any stage of the competition. I think it’s important for this young England team to get a good start and build the belief in the squad that they can go a long way in the competition.

Croatia will be a good test and will cause some problems. I can see them scoring but I strongly believe this is England’s game not to win, as opposed to anything else. Man for man, if the players put in the performance, our proven Goalscorer in Kane should see England home in their first encounter.

I anticipate a tight first half with England prevailing 3 -1 after 90 minutes.

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