England and Croatia kick-off Group D of the 2020 UEFA European Championship on Sunday, 13th June at 14:00.
England enters the competition as one of the favourites to win it.
They have a squad filled with players entering their prime.
However, they will be missing Trent Alexander-Arnold after his injury against Austria.
Brighton centre-back Ben White has replaced the Liverpool right-back in the squad.
Harry Maguire may miss the opener through injury, but White is a capable deputy.
In contrast, Croatia is stumbling into the competition after poor showings in the UEFA Nations League and recent international friendlies.
A muscle injury has sidelined Croatia’s Dejan Lovren since April, per Transfermarkt, and his possible absence may be a big one.
As a result, Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car is expected to line up in his place.
The midfield will be the most interesting matchup of the game.
The youthful trio of Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham will be involved in England’s midfield.
However, Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson could also make an appearance.
Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic can start in the centre of the pitch for the Croatians.
The Croatian midfield will be where most of their attacks begin.
Whoever dominates the middle of the field may end up on top at the final whistle.
Manchester City wingers Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling will be available for selection after joining up with the squad following their UEFA Champions League final loss.
Andrej Kramaric could return to the Croatian starting lineup after being sidelined for Dinamo Zagreb’s Bruno Petkovic up top.
Predicted Lineups
England (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Ben White, John Stones, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham; Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Phil Foden.
Croatia (4-3-3): Dominik Livakovic; Sime Vrsaljko, Domagoj Vida, Duje Caleta-Car, Borna Barisic; Marcelo Brozovic, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Ante Rebic, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic.
Betting
England 4/6
Draw 13/5
Croatia 9/2
Result Prediction
England 2-1 Croatia.
