England Vs. Croatia - The Match Preview.

If England can top the group their quarter-final date will be against the rank outsiders Greece, which would be much preferable to a match against the home nation Portugal which awaits if England finish second in the group. With all four teams still mathematically in the chase for a quarter-final spot tonight's games should be particularly interesting. However thoughts of who may be lying in wait past the group stage cannot affect the minds of the players before they march out on to the pitch, on their mind must be one thing: beating (or at least drawing with) the Croatians. Our players must keep their minds on the task in hand tonight if they have aspirations of progressing any further in the tournament. As we found out against France, twice, it only takes one moment of complacency to concede a goal.

The team is likely to be the same as the one that beat the Swiss by three goals to nil. David James in goal fills few with much confidence. By contrast the defence in front of him has looked fairly solid, especially against the French squad where it was rarely penetrated by world class players, like Thierry Henry, who was devastating in his league campaign with Arsenal. In midfield it would seem the diamond has been laid to rest with the "flat-pack" arrangement being preferred. Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham and Scholes are all very capable midfielders who still have a point to prove in this tournament, Steven Gerrard in particular will be aiming to perform well after playing no small part in the stoppage-time collapse against France. Up front it would appear Rooney will start probably with Michael Owen at his side. Despite some awful performances by Michael Owen's standards you can never leave him out. Rooney may be putting the ball in the net at the moment, but we all know that it only takes one flash of brilliance to turn Owen from villain to instant hero.

So who should we look out for against the Croats? Dado Prso is a constant threat up front for Croatia. The striker has been in good form this season and is performing now at Euro 2004. Another key man in the Croatian side is their inspirational number seven Milan Rapaic, he's the one who bravely stepped up to take a penalty against Fabien Barthez and succeeded where David Beckham had failed. Other players of quality also grace the Croatian line-up. Never under-estimate Croatia they may have under-performed against the Swiss but they turned it on in the second half against France and are just as capable of punishing England. 

So what will the result be? Whilst it's impossible to say, I predict a 1-0 England victory. I have faith that the lads will step up a gear when it really matters and at least get the draw required.

Good luck lads and come on England. Our fate is in your hands now.

©ForestFC.co.uk, 2004