England vs Croatia - UEFA Nations League Preview and Odds

Published on: 18/11/2018

England vs Croatia - UEFA Nations League Preview and Odds

November 18, 2018 14:00pm - Wembley Stadium

UEFA Nations League

England will look to top their Nations League group by beating Croatia for the first time since 2009. They come into this game unbeaten in four having won three of their last four including last week`s 3-0 friendly victory over the United States.

Prior to that, they recorded their first win away against Spain since 1987, running out 3-2 winners in Seville, and earned a 0-0 draw away to Sundays opponents. Gareth Southgate`s men look to have bounced back from their World Cup heartbreak when they were knocked out by Croatia at the semi-final stage.

Topping a group featuring their World Cup conquerors and a Spanisg side packed full of World Class talent would add further credibility to the England bosss project and prove the World Cup run was not just a fluke.

However, the group is still wide open and all three nations could top the group. A score draw would see Spain through to the semi-finals in June and relegate the Three Lions while a goalless draw would also benefit Spain, but would put Croatia at the bottom of the group. A win for England or Croatia would send them through and relegate their opponents leaving Spain in second place.

With so much at stake this should be a competitive encounter as both sides are likely to go in search of the win. There was little to separate the teams in their last two encounters with Croatias extra-time goal in Russia the difference between the two teams.

Croatia were hammered 6-0 by Spain in their last away game, but got revenge beating the Spaniards 3-2 on Thursday night. However, they have only won two of their last 10 away games outside of major tournaments. Those wins came against Ukraine and Mexico, two teams that lack the quality of the home team.

Recent form (All competitions)

England: WWDWL

Croatia: WWDLD

Betting odds and tips

England will look to start brightly as they did in their World Cup clash. But this time, they will have the home crowd behind them and that should be enough to get them across the line. After all, they have lost just one of their last 17 matches at Wembley Stadium.

You can back England to win at 5/6.

By Neil Morris