Croatia vs England: Jadon Sancho impresses as Gareth Southgate's side held behind closed doors

Harry Kane and Eric Dier both hit the post but England couldn't find a way through

England were unable to find a way past Croatia in their second Uefa Nations League match despite twice hitting the frame of the goal and Marcus Rashford missing two brilliant chances.

In front of an empty stadium in Croatia, due to Uefa orders to play the game behind closed doors following a swastika appearing on the pitch in one of Croatia's 2016 qualifying games, England were the better side in the second half but ultimately failed to register their first win in the new competition.

Here are five things we learned from the Stadion Rujevica:

1. New formation fails to bring new results

Southgate’s decision to switch to a back four after the success that his 3-4-3 formation brought at the World Cup was a bold experiment to see if England can rediscover a creative spark, and, to some extent, it worked.

Raheem Sterling almost got on the end of Ben Chilwel’s low cross to round off a good move, which was a sign of things to come. Kyle Walker and Rashford combined well to release the Manchester United striker through on goal but he couldn’t convert, the first of his two big misses in front of goal.

Dier and Jordan Henderson were able to largely contain Luka Modric and Ivan Rakatic but provided extremely little for England in possession. The attacking balance of having Ross Barkley in the midfield three seemed to work, although you feel that he needs more time with this side after his first match under Southgate. The idea and purpose was there from Southgate and England, but you sense that it will take a lot of practice before we see the best of this system.

Ross Barkley grew into the game (Getty Images)

2. Stadium bans punish everyone, not just the offenders

Well that made for appalling viewing. Uefa punishing Croatia over a swastika that appeared on the pitch in 2016 by making them play this match behind closed doors did not only penalise the perpetrators, but also the England players, England fans and the millions watching on television.

There were a handful of crafty England supporters that situated themselves on an overlooking hill from where they could grab a glimpse of the action, but it was the loyal travelling fans that like to go to all the games that will be most annoyed at this one.

The viewing experience on Sky Sport was also incredibly boring. Alan Smith and Martin Tyler’s words on commentary were emphasised greater than ever and in turn you sense they became increasingly self-conscious of what they were saying and turned to anecdotes to fill the awkward silences.

3. Southgate must be bold with Sancho

Southgate waited until the 77th minute before introducing the youngest player to play for the current manager. Jadon Sancho continued his rise by coming on for Sterling with the task of providing a late spark towards the end of the game, in the way he so often does for Borussia Dortmund.

The game fell into a lull long before Sancho’s introduction and thus made it difficult for the 18-year-old to get involved, however he had long enough to show a good burst of pace and skill on the ball to threaten Croatia and get behind the defence; so much so that the hosts will be delighted that he was only on for 15 minutes.

Sterling was unable to exude the kind of confidence he shows at Manchester City, which could tempt Southgate to hand Sancho a deserved start against Spain on Monday.

4. Southgate has nothing to fear over swearing

Dom Jones’ warning of ‘industrial language’ on Sky Sports was a nervous admission from the broadcasters that things could turn a little blue in the absence of supporters drowning out the players on the pitch. However, there was little audible swearing from the England players, contrary to Southgate's fears before the game.

Jordan Henderson hit back at the Croatia manager, Zlatko Dalic, after he conceded a foul and was heard shouting ‘are you the f***ing ref!?’ towards the dugout. Other than that, there was little else to hear, apart from Jordan Pickford’s barking orders from his penalty area.

5. Set-pieces remain a huge strength

Was there a better sight in the summer than seeing Harry Maguire, John Stone and Kane lining up in opposition penalty areas ready to cause utter chaos? The tactic that bought so many goals in Russia remains alive and well in this England side and they twice hit the frame of the goal from set-pieces.

Dier was first to hit the woodwork with a near post header from Henderson’s low corner before Kane saw a header cannon off the crossbar just after the break.