2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship – Croatia vs England Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Croatia vs England taking place? Monday 24th June 2019 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs England taking place? Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle, Serravalle
What television channel is Croatia vs England on? Sky Sports Football
Where can I stream Croatia vs England? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs England? https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/newsid=2597855.html
THE TEAM NEWS
CROATIA
- Croatia’s return to the UEFA Under-21 Championships final tournament after a 15-year gap has ended after just two matches but they will be hoping to salvage some pride and get a positive result before returning home after this game.
- After a tough opening match against Romania where they were caught cold, Croatia produced a much-improved display in a narrow 1-0 loss to France in their second game and that could have been different had they taken their chances, including one which hit the post in the second half.
- They could use this match as an opportunity to give playing time to some of their fringe players but they will also be sceptical about weakening the team too much given the quality England possess and they will want to get a result here.
ENGLAND
- It has been a hugely disappointing campaign for England having been knocked out after just two matches as after reaching the semi-finals two years ago, there were expectations to go even further this time around.
- England have won both of their previous competitive fixtures against Croatia and will be hoping to make it three as both bow out of the finals, and they will hope to give the fans something to cheer about.
- Head coach Aidy Boothroyd has used plenty of his squad in the opening two matches and more changes will be likely here with Tammy Abraham surely expected to start after coming off the bench in both matches so far while Phil Foden should also start here.
THE PREDICTION
Regardless of the result of this game, this tournament will go down as a failure for England given the high standards set by all national teams in recent years at all levels. The loss to Romania last time out and the manner of it was particularly disappointing and they will be motivated to put in a better showing here. Boothroyd has arguably not found his strongest team but after leaving Foden and Abraham on the bench against Romania, should bring the duo into the team. Croatia will not want to go home empty-handed, and so with both teams having a point to prove, this could end up being another high-scoring and entertaining match which could go either way. England are marginally preferred but it is difficult to have much confidence in them after the two opening matches.
