When Mario Mandzukic scored the winning goal against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, Gareth Southgate’s notes that evening at the Luzhniki stadium would have highlighted how his midfield was overrun by Croatia’s.
Luka Modric run the show with the help of Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic, with the Three Lions hapless against their more industrious opponents. However, the form and return to full fitness of both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley make the UEFA Nations League match on Sunday a fair battle.
The two players’ strong showings in recent weeks have helped Chelsea to remain unbeaten in all competitions this season. Having alternated in the third midfield role in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system, the two youngsters have increased their gear a notch higher.
Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, and Jesse Lingard played a fine tournament that saw England travel to the semis, but that defeat against Croatia gave them Southgate a timely reminder he needs another kind of player to add to his squad and Barkley looks the real deal.
Southgate will smile at the prospect of unleashing both Chelsea stars on Croatia on Sunday. But the Croats have not weakened. Their win over Spain on Thursday proves exactly that.
