England turn match on its head to relegate Croatia and win their Nations League group
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
PA
Match preview
What time does it start?
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)
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.
Got it?
15 minutes until kick-off at Wembley.
Harry Kane and Luka Modric, two Tottenham favourites, lead the sides out.
Time for the anthems ahead of this Nations League Group A4 decider.
Two strong renditions.
We are just about ready to go.
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.
England 0-0 Croatia, 1 minute
As anticipated, England's 4-3-3 faces Croatia's 4-2-3-1.
Croatia with the ball in these early stages.
England 0-0 Croatia, 2 minutes
First opportunity and England are lucky.
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 0-0 Croatia, 4 minutes
England enjoy their first spell of continued possession, but Ben Chilwell gives the the ball away.
Better pace to this game already to that of the tepid affair in Rijeka.
England 0-0 Croatia, 5 minutes
Harry Kane is flagged offside trying to get in behind, but replays show the England captain was level when the ball was played.
Both sides look dangerous in the game's infancy.
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