England will welcome Croatia to Wembley on Sunday in what will be their third meeting in a major tournament on the third day of the European Championship.
The Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in the group stage at Euro 2004 whilst the Croats prevailed 2-1 after extra-time in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. England are taking part in their 10th European Championship finals and no team has played as many games in the tournament without ever reaching the final (31 matches, 0 final).
England vs Croatia Latest Odds
Excluding penalty shoot-outs, England have never lost at Wembley in a major tournament, winning seven and drawing four of their previous 11 games and a win on Sunday is valued at (1.61) with Booster99.
England have never won their opening game at a European Championship tournament (D5 L4). Croatia, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their five Euro openers (W4 D1) and picking up a win against the hosts is tipped to occur at (6.44).
A draw between Gareth Southgate and Zlatko Dalic's sides is considered to occur at (3.97).
England vs Croatia Team News
Although Harry Maguire has returned to training, Southgate might not pick him for a starting role against the Croats while Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is a doubt following a struggle with a hip injury.
Experienced former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is a doubt for Dalic as he is struggling with an injury and that means the coach could line up Domagoj Vida and Duje Caleta-Car in central defence.
England vs Croatia Preview
Croatia are taking part in their sixth European Championship, and their fifth in a row. Since their first participation in 1996, they have alternated between reaching the knockout phase and group stage elimination - quarter-finals in 1996, the group stage in 2004, quarters in 2008, the group stage in 2012, and Round of 16 in 2016.
Croatia have lost against the eventual winners in three of their last four major tournaments - World Cup and European Championships: Spain at Euro 2012 at the group stage, Portugal at Euro 2016 in the Round of 16, and France inthe final of the 2018 World Cup.
Harry Kane secured the Golden Boot in the last World Cup, scoring six goals, including three from the penalty spot. He remained goalless in his only previous European Championship finals appearance in 2016 (239 minutes, 0 goals), however, this despite attempting more shots than any other England player at the tournament (13).
Southgate will be leading England for a second major tournament (excluding the Nations League) after World Cup 2018 where they secured fourth place. At Euro 1996, he was one of only three England players to play all 510 minutes, alongside David Seaman and Tony Adams – he missed a penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany.
England vs Croatia Tips and predictions
England scored 4.6 goals per game in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign; 37 goals in 8 games a higher ratio than any other team. Croatia have scored five goals in the last five engagements, conceded three and kept two clean sheets. Punters can take an offer of over 2.5 goals at (2.18) with Booster99.
Over 2.5 goals at (2.18) with Booster99.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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