Croatia v England: Dalić names strong starting lineup 

Andrej Kramarić returns to lead the attack (HNS)

Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalić has named his starting lineup for tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League match against England at a press conference today. 

The team will feature six players which started against England in the semifinal of the World Cup in Russia three months ago. 

Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Ivan Perišić and Ante Rebić all started in Russia against England and will start on Friday. 

Domagoj Livaković will start in goal with Tin Jedvaj and Josip Pivarić at right and left back. Mateo Kovačić will join Modrić and Rakitić in the midfield with Andrej Kramarić, Ivan Perišić and Ante Rebić in attack.

Rakitić and Kovačić will play together in the midfield (HNS)

“There were a lot of problems and a lot of players were ruled out. But, we have picked the best side we can. Rebić and Kramarić return. I don’t have any major problems with the lineup, We will have a good side,” said Dalić. 

It seems Dalić may try Rebić in the middle as the lone striker with Kramarić on the right. Both players alternated during the friendly against NK Bjelovar on Tuesday.

The match will be played behind closed doors and it will be the first time England have done that. Croatia has played five times with no crowd before. 

Perišić will play out wide (HNS)

Croatia and England have met in six competitive games in the past with Croatia winning three and England three. They have also met in two friendlies. Croatia’s most memorable victory over the Three Lions was the 2-1 extra-time win in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. 

The match kicks off at 8:45 pm at Rujevica stadium in Rijeka. 

CROATIA – Livaković, Jedvaj, Vida, Lovren, Pivarić, Modrić, Rakitić, Kovačić, Perišić, Rebić, Kramarić