England vs Croatia
Not everyone expected such a compelling story to end one of the most competitive UEFA Nations League groups in the tournament’s debut season, but I don’t think many of the fans who have grown to like this new approach for the international break would like this happening any other way.
Spain blew their chances of ending at the top of their group as Croatia gave us plenty of UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights in their recently concluded game. With their fate now in their hands, the Vatreni head to England’s holy ground to do battle with the Three Lions.
The recent history between these two teams already makes for big drama ahead of the game as England may have felt robbed of the opportunity of their lives during the summer by Croatia. Meanwhile, the visitors will be eager to prove that their magical summer form didn’t stay behind in Russia.
A win here will see either nation stand atop their group. This is probably the most important three points they’ve seen since that Russia semi-final. Which side will emerge victorious?
Talking Points
Croatia: Make England Bite the Dust at Wembley!
Croatia must be buzzing after the fantastic display of football they displayed against Spain in their return fixture. The second-half resurgence from the Croats is something that plenty of fans in the country were hoping for, but they must now focus on the task ahead.
They might not love the idea that they have to face the Three Lions once again on the way to glory, but it’s not like they’re shaking in their boots against this Three Lions team.
Croatia are more than familiar with the England national team as they faced each other in the semi-final. It was a big tussle that saw the ball head to extra time. Mario Mandzukic pulled off an incredible goal during extra time in order to secure the goal.
Of course, that game was not all cheers as Ivan Rakitic emphatically remembers wanting to stop the Football’s Coming Home chants with his Croatian brothers. The Barcelona midfielder said of the tactical adjustments they made in the game that helped them pull off the victory.
Of course, Rakitic will be a key man for the Croatian team once more. Luka Modric will be a central figure in Zlatko Dalic’s midfield-heavy formation. Tin Jedvaj is also a superb option on offence and defence that can bring in goals the same way he did during their fantastic comeback against La Furia Roja.
However, it is important to remember that they weren’t able to stop the retooled Three Lions when they met in an empty stadium last time out. Of course, the victory would be all the more sweet for Croatia if they stomp the Three Lions in their own home, the fabled Wembley.
England: Can They Rock the Croat Boats?
The Three Lions are in incredible form at the moment, and not a single eyebrow will be raised if Gareth Southgate’s men ever take the three points in their last group game. They have showcased incredible class from the bottom to the top, and this England team hasn’t looked this dangerous in quite a while.
At the centre of this team is Harry Kane. The Tottenham ace wasn’t cutting out to be the most impressive person during their semi-final defeat, but he has become an important core in this team. Without Kane leading the team from the front, this England side wouldn’t be as terrifying to play against.
Kane isn’t the only man Croatia have to be wary of, of course. There is a rich pool of talent Southgate can choose from, and his current team looks like they are meant to win football games. During their friendly triumph over America, Jadon Sancho and Callum Wilson flourished and made their impacts known.
This Three Lions team will be hoping that they will be able to bring cheers to the countrymen who will come see them play at Wembley.
History
Their World Cup semi-final is the biggest fixture out of the nine games they have played in the two countries’ head-to-head history. The game was a close affair that showed just how close the two countries are in terms of talent and coaching. England’s four wins and Croatia’s three also showcase the tightness of the contest.
It is also important to note that both teams have won their last two games, one of those were against Spain in their Nations League fixtures. This result has opened the table for the two countries.
Betting Tip
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England vs Croatia | Total Goals 4-6 @ 3.05 |
| November 18, 22:00 (GMT+8) |
Both of these teams have been scoring goals as of late as they both have outstanding attacking units. I don’t doubt the ability of both teams to get goals at the drop of the hat, and I see a highly entertaining game to the end of this group.
The SBOBET UEFA Nations League market have more interesting England vs Croatia odds if you are looking for other opportunities to win. England get 2.13 for a -0.75 Asian Handicap. Over 2.75 Goals is at 2.08, while a repeat of their 0-0 draw last time out has 11.00.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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