England return to Wembley on Thursday night for a Nations League clash with Croatia that could take them a big step closer to the quarter-finals. Thomas Tuchel’s side need just one point from their remaining two group matches to secure a place in the last eight, according to Liverpool.com’s international-break guide, and a win over Croatia would put them in a commanding position before Sunday’s trip to Spain. Kickoff is 7:45pm at Wembley.
The Three Lions have been in camp at St George’s Park this week, preparing for a Croatia side that has been patchy away from home in the group. England are short-priced favourites, but the visitors have enough quality to punish any complacency, and Tuchel will want a performance that settles the group rather than one that leaves it to the final game in Madrid.
Guehi out, Hill in
England’s preparations have been hit by the late withdrawal of Marc Guehi, who pulled out of the squad after suffering a hip injury in Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Crystal Palace defender’s absence is a blow, but it has opened the door for Bournemouth defender James Hill, who received his first senior England call-up on Tuesday ahead of the Croatia and Spain fixtures. Hill’s inclusion is a reward for a strong start to the season, and he will be hoping to make his debut at some point in the window.
Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool’s teenage forward, is the only Liverpool player in the England squad, and he has been speaking at the camp this week about his ambitions. The youngster’s presence underlines how Tuchel is using this window to look at the next generation as well as the established names. England’s squad has depth in every position, and the manager has options if he wants to rotate between the two games.
The group picture
Wins over Croatia and Spain could land England top spot in the group, according to the same guide, which would give them a kinder draw in the quarter-finals. Croatia, for their part, need points of their own, and they will not come to Wembley to make up the numbers. The visitors have a proud record in this competition and a midfield that can control games when it is allowed to.
Thursday’s game is the first of two in four days for England, and Tuchel will be mindful of the quick turnaround to Madrid. But the priority is clear: beat Croatia, secure the quarter-final place, and then go to Spain with the pressure off. Wembley under the lights, a place in the last eight on the line, and a young squad with something to prove — England have everything to play for.
Related reading: Guehi Out, Burn In as England Name Squad for Croatia Test and Nations League Returns: England Face Croatia as Groups Conclude
