England will meet Croatia in an intense semi-final, both sides looking for renewed momentum in this tournament. Can Gareth Southgate lead his side all the way into the last four?
Croatia have struggled since easily progressing through Group D. They required penalties to beat Denmark and then an 115th-minute equaliser against Russia during their knockout games, prompting criticism.
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England vs. Croatia
The Three Lions will look to add another victory in Group A of the Nations League when they face Croatia, with Gareth Southgate likely making adjustments to his starting lineup from that which beat Malta and Finland.
Croats remain top of Group G with four points after an underwhelming World Cup performance, though Italy must defeat Albania and Slovenia must defeat Scotland for them to have any chance of reaching the knockout rounds of competition.
England have improved since their slow start in the Nations League campaign and can be confident of winning all remaining matches. Under Gareth Southgate’s direction, his side are currently second in Group D after two victories and one loss; on Thursday they hope to continue this form by defeating Croatia at Wembley Stadium.
Croatia will look to exact revenge against England following their semi-final defeat at the 1996 European Championship, when England prevailed 2-0 and forced Croatia into their first ever loss in major tournament play since World War Two. Furthermore, their win ensured they remained among the top five teams and has allowed them to remain there ever since.
Zlatko Dalic will look to maintain his unbeaten record against England by fielding an attacking-oriented squad led by Mario Pasalic and Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric should also make an impactful statement against England.
Croatia will be without Goran Juric who was suspended after receiving a booking during their 3-1 loss to Poland, along with defensive midfielder Anthony Seric and second-choice goalkeeper Marijan Mrmic who will all remain on the bench.
Josko Gvardiol will be an important weapon for Croatia, having had an offside header disallowed before halftime and later sending in an angled volley from outside the box through Sa to draw his side level with them.
England vs. Greece
England are hoping to continue their strong start under Lee Carsley when they take on Greece in a 19:45 kick-off at Wembley Stadium. England have won their opening two Nations League matches and lead Group 2 of Division B; Ivan Jovanovic from former Manchester United will prove a tougher test for Carsley’s side.
Dimitrios Kourbelis will miss his one-match ban due to too many yellow cards collected; Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas may step in as his replacement. Their hosts hope to finish second in their group for a playoff playoff shot at promotion.
As for England, Carsley will hope to build on their impressive victory against Ireland. Manchester City fullback Kyle Walker should start in right back and provide speed, experience, and defensive solidity while Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could potentially slot in alongside John Stones at centre back for added tactical flexibility.
Harry Kane will miss out for Tottenham despite joining up with his squad at St George’s Park on Monday. The 21-year-old still isn’t fully fit following an injury he sustained against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend at Bayern Munich (3-3).
The Three Lions face an uphill task when facing Croatia, who currently lead their group with nine points from two wins. If they finish second place in their group they would face a play-off to reach the World Cup qualifying finals.
Eight players decided not to attend England’s initial squad, including Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, Manchester City attacker Phil Foden and Jack Grealish and Aston Villa defenders Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Aston Villa; but Carsley included Leicester City forward Jonny Evans from Leicester City as well as Aston Villa defenders Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold as Aston Villa players and Morgan Rogers, Taylor Harwood-Bellis Lewis Hall Lewis Hall Ezri Konsa Levi Colwill, Levi Colwill, Aaron Ramsdale all for first time participation.
England vs. Poland
Gareth Southgate made several adjustments to his England side for their match against Andorra on Saturday, but will switch back to a strong lineup for Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifying Group I clash with Poland. Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane should lead from the front, with Mason Mount and Jack Grealish supporting.
England have won 11 and drawn 11 matches against Poland over their past 20 meetings across all competitions, only losing once (2-0 at home during a 1974 World Cup qualifying match under Sir Alf Ramsey). At Wembley Stadium they have never experienced defeat from Poland; now aiming for 12 out of 14 victories this campaign when hosting an opponent that has only managed one victory from its five Nations League Group A matches this year.
Michal Probierz’s Poland are fighting hard for survival in the Nations League and any loss or draw against Scotland could spell their demotion to League B at the final stage. Their manager is unlikely to make too many changes ahead of the visit of England – with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny guaranteed a place in his starting XI.
Polish squad is likely to remain unchanged, with Kamil Piatkowski and Jan Bednarek expected to partner each other at centre-back, Jakub Moder and Karol Linetty looking to restrict England’s two wingers while fullbacks Kamil Jozwiak and Maciej Rybus will have to deal with threats coming from either flank.
Rafal Augustyniak, who played against Scotland as a replacement for injured Grzegorz Krychowiak, could return to Poland’s starting eleven. But his fitness may be compromised after contracting COVID-19; therefore Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jakub Moder could take his place instead in starting XI.
England vs. Portugal
Croatia was one of the only teams to achieve maximum points during their group stage, before pushing Turkey into penalty shootout in the quarter finals. Real Madrid duo Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will play key roles for Croatia.
Portugal have made an unbeaten start to their Nations League campaign, beating both Poland and Scotland before emerging triumphant from a thrilling encounter against Scotland. Though rarely outclassing their opposition, Portugal may find it challenging to repeat such success against Poland as they’re likely to defend deep and limit space.
Zlatko Dalic made several changes for last week’s shock 1-0 loss in Scotland, where John McGinn scored late winner. Petar Sucic is out through suspension due to being sent off at Glasgow, while Ivan Perisic returns as starting player.
Nikolo Moro and Luka Modric will combine at the base of midfield, while Mateo Kovacic plays alongside them as central midfielders. Together they hope to dictate play from their positions at the heart of the pitch.
Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caltea-Car and Josip Sutalo will form an essential core to the defence, while Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina and Luka Sucic provide extra depth.
Joao Felix and Rafael Leao should provide enough attacking options to cause difficulties for Poland’s vulnerable defence, while Cristiano Ronaldo could make all the difference in a tight game.
As the half comes to an end, no clear pattern emerges in terms of players involved in both sides’ midfield positions. Modric and Kovacic remain key figures while Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric will provide their flank support, along with strikers Mislav Orsic and Marko Pjaca who both hope to add to their impressive tally for 2014. A victory by Croatia will guarantee their passage through to the knockout stages; conversely a draw or defeat could leave Portugal facing an uphill relegation battle.
