England vs Croatia: Talking points ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2020 opener
The Three Lions will be looking for revenge at Wembley after being beaten in the 2018 World Cup semi-final by Sunday’s opponents.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England open their European Championship campaign with a Group D clash against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.
The Three Lions will be looking for revenge after being beaten in the 2018 World Cup semi-final by Croatia.
Ahead of the game, we take a look at some of the key talking points.
Past meetings
The aforementioned defeat in Moscow three years ago will still be a sore memory for much of the England squad.
Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick had Gareth Southgate’s side ahead only for Ivan Perisic to equalise and Mario Mandzukic to send Croatia through to the final.
Since then, the teams have clashed in the Nations League – a 0-0 draw behind closed doors in Rijeka followed up by Jesse Lingard and Harry Kane scoring late goals in a 2-1 Wembley win to send England into the inaugural finals.
Jeers for the knee?
The mixed reaction to England players taking the knee before their last two fixtures has made front- and back-page headlines.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for supporters not to jeer the anti-racism gesture ahead of Sunday’s game.
That plea is likely to fall on deaf ears, although Southgate has said his players will continue to defy the boos to make the stance.
Shape of things to come
Southgate played a back four in both warm-up wins over Austria and Romania but has been known to switch to a three-man defence against stronger opposition.
The run to the final four in Russia was also built on a central defensive trio and it remains to be seen how Southgate will deploy his troops against Croatia.
The fitness of Harry Maguire may figure into Southgate’s thinking, with the Manchester United captain back in training following an ankle injury.
Forward thinking
The way Southgate lines up his defence will have an impact on which attacking talent he can call upon.
While captain Harry Kane is a guaranteed starter, behind him England are blessed with some fine options.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are all in contention to start – but a handful are destined to be disappointed.
Hey Jude
There are also selection headaches in Southgate’s midfield, with Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson having played just 45 minutes of football since February.
Declan Rice is expected to start with Kalvin Phillips also in contention – but the form of 17-year-old Jude Bellingham will not have been overlooked by the England coaching staff.
The Borussia Dortmund teenager enjoyed a fine season in Germany and was named the Bundesliga’s newcomer of the year and Southgate would be making something of a statement by selecting the former Birmingham man.