England Vs Croatia Preview: World Cup Qualifier

 

England vs Croatia

Wednesday 9 September 2009,

Wembley Stadium

Kick-Off: 20:00

England

England will enter their match with Croatia on Wednesday knowing that a win will send them on their way to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. The situation, however, is one rather familiar to a majority of players in Fabio Capello’s squad.

Less than two years ago, England found themselves up against the same opposition playing for a birth into the European Championships (Euro 2008). A win would have sealed the deal for England, but instead, Croatia came to England and left 3-2 winners, ending England’s journey before it could even get started.

This time, England will have the comfort of knowing that a loss against Croatia would not seriously damage their ambitions of reaching South Africa as Capello’s men enter the match with the maximum 21 points from seven matches played. England also boast a phenomenal goal difference of 26-4 from the seven matches.

Jermain Defoe continues to find his way onto the scoresheet for club and country. He has netted in three straight matches for England as a substitute and will certainly be hoping for a chance to start.

Capello has opted to partner Emile Heskey with Wayne Rooney in attack in recent matches, but Defoe’s form will certainly be in the back of his mind when he makes the final selections on Wednesday.

In spite of coming under some criticism after England conceded their goal on Saturday night, Glen Johnson continues to generally impress at right back and should receive another start against Croatia.

Robert Green should be considered odds on to continue between the posts for Capello, in spite of a couple of unwanted, eventful moments on his part in the victory, too.

Croatia

Croatia enter the match against England after a slightly more uncomfortable affair with Belarus in group qualifications.

Croatia shook off a relatively unconvincing performance and an 80th minute dismissal of Vedran Corluka to hold onto a 1-0 lead and secure three points at home for Slaven Bilic.

The win has Croatia on 17 points after eight games played but feeling the heat from the Ukraine who are on 14 points with a game in hand.

Luka Modric will miss the match due to injury and Corluka will be suspended, leaving Bilic with a headache ahead of the trip to Wembley. However, with the return of Eduardo from long term injury, he will probably look to line up with an attacking minded side.

Ivan Rakitic of Schalke 04 scored the lone goal for Croatia in the win over Belarus and will continue to have an increased role in the absence of Modric.

Harry Redknapp’s latest signing for Tottenham, Niko Kranjcar, has the ability to play magnificent football from time to time. Should he be allowed time on the ball and an inch to create, he could cause serious problems for England’s defence.

Prediction

In the first England vs Croatia World Cup qualification match, England pummelled Croatia 4-1. This convincing beating came as a rather shocking result to most observers, as Croatia have built a reputation on their solid play at home.

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick in the match, but will miss Wednesday’s encounter through injury. Nevertheless, England should come in a confident bunch based on their run of good form. Having lost 3-2 in the last match played between the sides in England, expect a fully concentrated effort from Capello’s men.

Whether Croatia look to hold down the fort or come at England with everything they’ve got, the Three Lions should have the upper hand. And if all goes well, England should have successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup by the end of the night.

England vs Croatia Prediction: England 3-1 Croatia