England not on WC revenge mission in Croatia: Trippier

LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): England will not be out for revenge for their World Cup semifinal defeat when they face Croatia in the Nations League on Friday, defender Kieran Trippier has said.

England enjoyed their best World Cup performance in 28 years in Russia this summer, missing out on a spot in the final after losing to the Croats after extra time.

“No, it’s not revenge. Croatia were good on the day against us in the World Cup semifinal but it’s another game,” Trippier told Sky Sports. “We want to go there get the win, get the points we need and then look forward to Spain.”

Friday’s clash will be played behind closed doors as UEFA have punished Croatia after a Nazi symbol was marked on their pitch ahead of a Euro 2016 qualifier.

England, second in Nations League Group 4 ahead of Croatia, face leaders Spain in Seville next Monday.

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is back in the England squad after an absence of over two years and believes he is finally ready to fulfil his potential.

Barkley made his debut for England at the age of 19 and was tipped for the top, but has not featured during manager Gareth Southgate’s reign, missing out on the World Cup in Russia.

A protracted departure from his boyhood club Everton and a long-term injury limited Barkley to just two Premier League appearances last season.

Yet following the arrival of Italian coach Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, Barkley has made an impressive start to this season.

Wales manager Ryan Giggs attends a training session at the Principality

Stadium, Cardiff on Oct 10. (AP)