England vs Croatia
So another major tournament is about to start and, in England, that means football mania.
It also means unrealistic expectations which, in turn, generates levels of optimism rarely justified.
51 matches in 31 days at 11 venues, from Glasgow on the west coast of Scotland to the Caspian Sea shore of Baku, Azerbaijan.
Described by some as a ‘living monument to greed and corporate influence’, that will soon be forgotten once the first ball is kicked as Euro 2020 has the potential to be something special for the Three Lions who have the advantage of playing all their group matches on home turf.
We know plenty of Euro 2020 highlights will be created at Wembley over the next month. But the question is, will they benefit Gareth Southgate’s men?
A re-run of one of the last World Cup semi-finals should provide a good indicator.
Talking Points
England have certainly had better squads going into major tournaments and, given a lack of world class talent in some key areas, they will realistically come unstuck when they play a major opponent – something that happened every time they faced better opponents at Russia 2018.
Yet just like three summers ago, momentum, a favourable draw, and rousing support can go a long way.
So can a crop of talented youngsters, all technically gifted players such as newly crowned young player of the year Phil Foden, Champions League winner Mason Mount, and Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish.
With captain Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford who are all among the options in attack, there is every reason for fans to be excited.
Southgate’s main task could be to find the right balance between utilising that undoubted attacking talent with a soft centre.
Not that any of England’s Group D opponents are genuine contenders for Euro glory this summer, and therefore, may be hard pressed to take advantage.
Not even their opening opponents in Croatia.
The World Cup finalists have rebuilt well since Russia but rumours of a dressing room rift are a cause for concern.
And if you take out star man Luka Modric and Serie A title winner Ivan Perisic, there is a distinct lack of world class talent to suggest that the East Europeans can reach another final against the odds.
With the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic now retired from international football, coach Zlatko Dalic has the difficult role of ensuring fresh faces are geared up for tournament levels.
Indeed, with Danijel Subasic and Ivan Strinic also now retired, four players from the World Cup Final starting lineup of 2018 have now called it a day.
So England are possible fifth or sixth favourites to win the competition against the perky middleweights of Croatia.
On home soil this could be England’s moment to exact some revenge.
History
The last meeting between these nations came in November 2018, which was the third clash in less than five months.
It saw late goals from Jesse Lingard and Harry Kane to overturn Andrej Kramaric’s opener as England sealed a place in the semifinals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
It was preceded a month earlier by a goalless draw in Rijeka.
Of course, the main meeting that year came in July and Croatia were 2-1 victors. The stage: the World Cup semifinal as Croatia earned victory in the one that mattered most.
The only previous meeting in a major tournament came at Euro 2004 and it was a game remembered for Wayne Rooney displaying his burgeoning talent.
Overall, England have five wins and Croatia have three victories and there have been two draws between them.
Betting Tip
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England vs Croatia | England First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.49 |
| June 13, 21:00 (GMT+8) |
Considering Croatia knocked England out of the last World Cup, the SBOTOP Euro 2020 betting odds have them surprisingly well adrift.
They are available to back 1X2 @ 4.90 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.66.
England, meanwhile, are on offer 1X2 @ 1.75 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.36.
For a second draw in three meetings, you will receive a pay out of @ 3.30.
No one is expecting a tight affair based on odds of under 1.75 goals @ 2.61 and total goal 0-1 @ 2.58.
By contrast, you can get odds of @ 2.33 on over 2.50 goals and total goal 4-6 @ 4.80.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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