England vs Croatia Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview - EURO 2020
How England Qualified
England enjoyed a rather straightforward qualification campaign. Gareth Southgate’s side won seven of their eight matches and finished with +31 goal difference, one of the best totals of any nation. Their only defeat in qualification was in the away match to the Czech Republic, a narrow 2-1 loss back in October 2019.
How Croatia Qualified
Croatia also topped their group. The 2018 World Cup finalists came up against Wales, Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Slovakia in their campaign. They got over a 2-1 defeat to Hungary early on the campaign well and responded with a string of impressive wins. Bruno Petkovic was the top scorer in the group but Ivan Perisic and Nikola Vlasic weren’t far behind.
England v Croatia Stats & Analysis
These two countries are no strangers to one another. They’ve met numerous times in qualification campaigns and tournaments proper. England have won four of their last eight meetings, including the most recent fixture, a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Nations League back in November 2018.
But Croatia cannot be underestimated. They’re a hugely talented team, as England learned in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. England fans will also recall the 3-2 defeat to Croatia back in November 2007 that ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.
England v Croatia Bets
England are the favourites to win this one at 8/11 and Croatia out at 7/2. It’s not a huge surprise considering England’s impressive qualification campaign and the fact it will be played at Wembley. Both teams to score seems like a reasonable bet at evens considering the attacking talents available for both teams.
