By Ross Kilvington

Croatia play host to England on Saturday evening in Rijeka. Both teams have defeated Czechia while losing to World Cup winners Spain across their opening two games.

Slaven Bilić’s second stint with Croatia has begun in mixed fashion

Slaven Bilić’s first spell in charge of Croatia saw the nation qualify for two European Championships, but failed to reach the 2010 World Cup.

Following Zlatko Dalić’s departure after a 2-1 defeat to Portugal at the World Cup, Bilić returned to the national team role, 14 years after leaving.

The new manager declared that he was “full prepared” for the challenge ahead, but it has been a mixed start for the 58-year-old.

Luka Modrić scored in the 2-1 win over Czechia and the 41-year-old is well versed to Bilić’s methods, having played a prominent role throughout his first spell between 2006-2012.

Initial optimism came crashing down following the 4-1 loss to Spain, but given La Roja’s status as world champions and the fact they are on a 40-game unbeaten run, that was always going to be a free hit for Bilić.

During his first spell, Bilić led Croatia to two victories over England, including that stunning 3-2 triumph at Wembley in November 2007, the infamous ‘Wally with a Brolly’ game, which prevented the Three Lions from reaching Euro 2008.

Since then, Croatia’s only win was in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Another performance similar to that one might be enough to take something from this tie.

England eyeing back-to-back wins

With just under 30 minutes to go against Spain, Thomas Tuchel’s men were leading 2-1 and playing well. Indeed, England could have made it 3-1, but Harry Kane smashed his penalty against the crossbar.

Nico O’Reilly gave up possession minutes later, however, leading to Álex Baena’s impressive equaliser. Mikel Oyarzabal then pounced to put Spain in front thanks to a delightful finish beyond James Trafford and that was enough to seal the win.

So close, yet so far once again for Tuchel and England against an elite side. The 2-0 win in Prague a few days later was expected, but the players will still be cursing the fact they couldn’t see the game out against the Spanish.

Nevertheless, matches are coming thick and fast, giving the Three Lions an ideal chance to make it back-to-back victories in the Nations League. 

This meeting comes just a few months after a six-goal thriller at the World Cup. England won 4-2 on that occasion, but Tuchel must be wary of the threat Croatia pose, no doubt about that.

The Three Lions already trail Spain by three points in the group after two matches and another win here will allow them to keep the pressure on the world champions.

Team news

Bilić will be missing Martin Erlić for this clash, but that is his only injury absentee.

Tuchel, however, will be without several players due to injury. Dean Henderson, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly and Tino Livramento are definitely out, while Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are doubts for match three of this Nations League campaign.

Prediction

Croatia will have a point to prove following their defeat to Spain last time out, while England enter this clash in high spirits after that 2-0 win over the Czechs.

Given the recent head-to-head record between the nations, I expect England to register their fourth successive victory over the Croatians on Saturday evening, but it will be a tight affair in Rijeka: Croatia 1-2 England.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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