Euro 2020: England ($1.61) vs Croatia ($5.50) - 13th June @11pm
The first game of Group D is one worth savouring. A replay of the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final, where Croatia came out 2-1 winners in extra time. Fast forward to 2021, and this time when they meet, both teams look quite different.
With the retirement of Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winner in Moscow, Croatia are in a rebuilding phase that has been far from impressive in the lead up to the competition. With their current squad, it is hard to see Croatia repeating their efforts from Russia, but with the attacking prowess of Ivan Perisic, Nikola Vlasic and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, Croatia will be anything but easybeats.
It is that attacking prowess that will have England worried in the first game. Gareth Southgate’s team has made plenty of changes since 2018, however, despite having two English Premier League title winners in his backline, it’s his defence that he will be most nervous about. A defence, prone to the odd error, could see England’s early nerves put them behind early on, with Croatia sure to be resolute in protecting such a lead.
Regardless, England’s strengths are clear. They have some of the best attacking players in the World. A third golden boot in the EPL this season has solidified Harry Kane as a world class number 9, who will be looking to add a team trophy to his growing list of individual accolades. I’d expect him to get on the scoresheet in this game and with the support of Champions League winner Mason Mount and EPL title winners Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, releasing the shackles on the attacking strength at Southgate’s disposal could be the key to England coming out on top in this exciting encounter.
Recommended Bet: Correct Score England 2-1
