England open their group by playing Croatia at Wembley in London, England, with an exciting encounter shaping up. 12 matches are to be played in round 1 of the group stages at the Euro 2020 and this one takes place on Sunday. England arrive at the Euro 2020 placed 4 in the FIFA world ranking, thus indicating a close match against Croatia who look at the Euro 2020 from number 14 in the FIFA world ranking.
Before their first match at the tournament England are heavy favorites with the bookmakers to top their group. England hammered their way to a powerful 1st place in qualifying for the Euro 2020 and they are among an elite group considered favorites for the title.
In a slightly surprisingly hard fought group Croatia still came out on top and should be able to get out of the Euro 2020 group stages unscathed. A 1st place in the group is perhaps too much to hope for, but according to bookmakers Croatia should at least see the first knock out stage.
England vs Croatia stats and analysis
England have not exactly set the world on fire lately when it comes to goal scoring. England scored a lowly 38 times in the last 10 internationals creating an average of just 3.8 goals per game. They held on for a clean sheet in 6 of these matches, conceding 8 goals which is an average of 0.8 per game.
Croatia have not exactly set the world on fire lately when it comes to goal scoring. Croatia scored a mediocre 19 times in the last 10 internationals creating an average of just 1.9 goals per game. They held on for a clean sheet in 2 of these matches, conceding 9 goals which is an average of 0.9 per game.
Heading into their opening match at the tournament England will be a disappointed not to come out the other end with a win. They should have enough quality to see off Croatia as they look for plain sailing in the group stages.
Croatia could not have been presented with a tougher assignment in their first encounter at the Euro 2020, but from a positive perspective they have very little to lose.
Stats and facts for England and Croatia.
- England has won the last 3 matches in a row;
- England has won the last 4 matches in a row at home;
- England has won in the last 7 of 8 matches;
- England has won in the last 5 of 6 matches at home.
- Croatia unbeaten the last 6 matches in a row;
- Croatia unbeaten the last 3 matches in a row when playing away;
- Croatia scored in the last 13 of 15 matches;
- Croatia conceded in the last 9 of 11 matches.
Lineup England vs Croatia
Form England vs Croatia
England continue to sparkle.
England keep brushing aside all resistance claiming yet another win to their collection last time out. In their previous 3 internationals, England got a 2-0 win against Albanien after which they witnessed a 2-1 win against Polen. The most recent international for England's finest served up a 1-0 win against Austria.
Croatia in decent shape.
Croatia go into this encounter on the back of decent performances in recent matches. In their previous 3 internationals, Croatia won 1-0 against Cypern after which they witnessed a 3-0 win against Malta. The most recent international for Croatia's finest served up a 1-1 draw against Armenia.
England v Croatia Fixture History
The last time the two nations squared up against each other, which was back on 18 November 2018, England ran away with a 2-1 victory. England have won 55.55%, while Croatia won 33.33% of their last 9 encounters on the international stage resulting in a total of 5-1-3 in favor of the "Lions".
Full Time Betting
According to the bookies England are favorites to win. The best price you will find on a home win is 1.70 as bookies predict England to have a 59% chance of beating Croatia. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 3.50 on offer, while an away win for Croatia pays out at 5.50.
Topscorers markets
Managing 2 goals in his previous 6 internationals for England makes Harry Kane a player every opponent will have marked as one to keep an eye on. It is tempting to look for Ivan Perisic to shine once again for Croatia, as he has been their most profilic marksman 2 goals in their previous 6 internationals.
