The first match of Group D in UEFA Euro 2020 will see England playing host to Croatia on Sunday, June 13 at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
Three years on since their semi-final exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup at hands of Croatia, England will be eager to inflict some long-awaited retaliation. A lot has changed since Croatia are far from their previous self. Four players from their starting XI from the World Cup have retired while senior defender Dejan Lovren has admitted that the young players are “lacking respect for their elders”
England, on the other hand, are more or less a new-look team as Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden have become an integral part of the squad.
Croatia’s form leading into the tournament is a thing of worry. The 2018 World Cup finalists have, in fact, endured the worst results of all 24 Euro nations in their last 10 games. They have won a mere three, drawn two and lost five matches. During that time, they scored 14 and have conceded just as many goals. The Three Lions, on the other hand, have won seven of their last 10 games and lost twice.
England team news
England manager Gareth Southgate is going to be without key centre-back Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender is not expected to be fit for Sunday’s game. Apart from that, the team is still sweating over the fitness of midfielder Jordan Henderson.
That said, it will be interesting to see how Southgate will approach the game given the plethora of talent he has at his disposal in midfield.
Croatia team news
Zlatko Dalic’s team has an experienced midfield, unlike England. Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Luka Modric will offer Croatia plenty of quality from the center of the park as they strive for consistency in Dalic’s usual 4-3-3 formation. It is their defence, however, which needs to tighten things up. In terms of injuries, defender Dejan Lovren is the only worry.
Where to watch England vs Croatia live?
The England vs Croatia UEFA Euro 2020 match will be telecast live at 6:30 PM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Sunday, June 13.
Live streaming of England vs Croatia will be on SonyLIV.
SportsAdda will bring you England vs Croatia live score.
Featured photo: AFP / Ben Stansall
