England, aspiring to renew its generation, is looking for revenge from Croatia, which was eliminated from the semi-finals of the last World Cup, when it was settled in Rijeka without an audience, today, within the first level of the European Football League.
Despite England's impressive progress last summer in Russia and the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, the center conceded to the world's best player, according to Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Ivan Persic equalized in the second half, and Mario Mandzukic grabbed the winner in extra time.
A similar feeling was felt at Wembley last month, when Spain took control of the takeover and returned to their first points in the new competition (2-1) in Group D.
Coach Gareth Southgate's young coach promised much, but not only that, but continued his search among talented players to find a midfield miss since Paul Gascoigne. Gaidon Sancho (18), Mason Mount (19) and James Madison (21) got their first chance to carry the colors of the Three Lions.
On the other hand, Croatia is playing their first home match after the World Cup, but behind the doors of the offset, the implementation of the penalty of two matches without an audience at home, because of the Nazi swastika was painted on the pitch during the 2016 European Cup against Italy in June 2015. Zlatko Dalic "This is not fair, because we will face England, two teams reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, and we will play without our fans."
"I know that the European Union is punishing us, but it is not right to play without our fans. We must accept that, and try to provide the best. "
"Our goal is Europe 2020," said Dalic. "I know we have the European League, but we are tired now, and we have done everything in the World Cup. We need time to make a good start. "
Croatia are deprived of their home fans because of a European penalty for qualifying for the «2016 European Nations».