Under Tuchel, England showed a perfect record in the qualifiers. However, in March friendlies they only managed a draw against Uruguay and suffered a loss to Japan. By summer, though, they secured clean-sheet victories over New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Croatia performed poorly at the Euros but then won their qualifying group, collecting 22 points from eight matches. In friendlies, after a narrow win over Colombia, they lost to both Brazil and Belgium. At least they managed a 2-1 victory over Slovenia.
Kane and company average 2.4 goals scored per game, conceding just 0.2. Zlatko Dalić’s men trail slightly behind: 1.9 goals scored and one conceded per match.
Previous Matches: England vs Croatia
There have been ten head-to-head encounters in total. After losing twice, the English have won six times, including both of the most recent meetings.
It is unlikely this match will be a high-scoring spectacle, as both teams are known for their pragmatic style. Still, Kane and company seem prepared to grind out a result—something like a 1-0 win—so we trust in their victory (odds – 1.75).
England vs Croatia: Key Statistics and Trends
England have won two matches in a row
10% of England’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.6
Croatia have lost two of their last three matches
50% of Croatia’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.9
England vs Croatia: Probable Starting Line-ups
England play with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Pickford – Spence, Guehi, Stones, Quansah – Rice, Henderson – Rashford, Rodgers, Watkins – Kane
Croatia also use a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Livaković – Gvardiol, Pongračić, Erlić, Stanišić – Kovačić, Modrić – Perišić, Kramarić, Pašalić – Budimir.
