England turn match on its head to relegate Croatia and win their Nations League group
Harry Kane ensured a year to cherish would end with a bang as England came from behind against World Cup semi-final foes Croatia to reach the inaugural Nations League Finals.
Just 130 days after breaking English hearts in Moscow, Zlatko Dalic's men looked set to prove the scourge of the Three Lions once more as Andrej Kramaric's deflected effort left them staring down the barrel of relegation.
But a stirring comeback from Gareth Southgate's side brought a memorable year to a fitting conclusion, with substitute Jesse Lingard scoring and clearing off the line before captain Kane secured a late 2-1 win which sees them top Group A4 ahead of Spain.
Baddiel & Skinner's 'Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)' rang around Wembley after a victory that condemned Croatia to relegation - the icing on the cake as England brought down the curtain on a year which saw them re-engage with the public and restore pride.
Good afternoon all, and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of England's crucial clash with Croatia at Wembley Stadium.
It is winner takes all this afternoon - both England and Croatia would win the group with victory, while the loser would be relegated to the second tier of the Nations League.
A score draw would also send England down and see Spain top the group, while a goalless affair would relegate Croatia.
Plenty to discuss ahead of the two o'clock kick-off, so let's get right to it...
Just three players retain their place from Thursday's friendly win over the USA, with regular starters Ben Chilwell and Jordan Pickford remaining at left-back and in goal respectively, while Fabian Delph earns another opportunity in midfield, too.
Still waiting for Croatia to confirm their lineup, though we know they will be without Ivan Rakitic in midfield.
Croatia's pressing game was out in full force in their impressive 3-2 victory over Spain on Thursday night, and Jonathan Liew suggests how England counter that press will be key if Gareth Southgate's side are to secure a home win and cement this as a modern-day sporting rivalry.
That looks like a 4-2-3-1 for Croatia. Luka Modric often plays in a more advanced midfield role but will likely slip in alongside Marcelo Brozovic in midfield cohort Ivan Rakitic's abscence, with Everton's promising midfielder Nikola Vlasic (currently on loan at CSKA Moscow) ahead of them.
Presumably England will stick with the 4-3-3 that has brought them success recently. Fabian Delph gives them a left-footed presence in midfield, which looks to have better balance than when Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are deployed in tandem.
The atmosphere is beginning to build around Wembley as fans make their way into the ground.
The last time Croatia visited England secured qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in convincing fashion, but it is the infamous 2007 meeting fans may remember better...
Yes, who can forget Steve McClaren, the 'Wally with a Brolly', downcast as England slipped to an embarrassing 3-2 defeat and missed out on Euro 2008.
Scott Carson's let Nico Kranjcar's tame effort through him into the net to allow Croatia to jump into a 2-0 lead, before Mladen Petric sealed victory for the visitors with about 15 minutes to go after England fought back to level.
Fabian Delph wore the captain's armband for England for the first time against the USA earlier in the week and has somewhat surprisingly retained his place for this game.
It's another big afternoon for the Manchester City midfielder as he starts for the second time in four days - Delph has only started twice in the Premier League all season...
A reminder that a win for either side send them through to the Nations League semi-finals, while Spain will go through with a draw. IF that draw involves goals, England will be relegated due to their head-to-head record, while Croatia will go down if the pair replicate the reverse fixture in a 0-0.
Greek referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos blows his whistle, Ante Rebic knocks the ball back from the centre spot and England vs Croatia is underway at Wembley Stadium.
An underhit Fabian Delph backpass forces Jordan Pickford into a spot of bother. He slides to retrieve it but recognises he can't claim it with his hands, so instead chests the ball straight into Ante Rebic's path.
Rebic gets his effort wrong and lifts over the bar with goal agape. An early let off.
England vs Croatia kicks off at 2:00pm (GMT) on Sunday 18th November.
Where can I watch it?
England vs Croatia will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Football channels from 1:00pm (GMT).
Highlights will be on ITV at 11:10pm (GMT) on Sunday 18th November.
Player to watch…
Raheem Sterling: After failing to score in three years for England, Raheem Sterling’s double against Spain last month showed a player on the top of his game for both club and country. The 23-year-old has scored seven goals in 15 appearances for Manchester City this season, and will likely play alongside Harry Kane up front for this group decider after being rested for the 3-0 friendly win against USA.
Form guide…
England: LLWDWW
Croatia: LDLDWW
Odds…
England to win: 19/20
Croatia to win: 3/1
Draw: 12/5
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
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