Zlatko tells few Home truths to the English
CROATIA boss Zlatko Dalic says his players will not need the added motivation of “Football’s Coming Home” chants at Wembley today.
Numerous Croatia players, most notably captain Luka Modric, pointed to England’s unofficial anthem as being a motivating factor at the World Cup in July.
Croatia came from behind in Moscow to beat Gareth Southgate’s side and reach their first World Cup Final.
And Modric later said that claims the World Cup might be coming home betrayed English arrogance.
Asked if the song might inspire his team again at Wembley, Dalic added: “For us that’s not a problem to bring football back.
“We are motivated because we play for Croatia, for our nation.
“We will try to do our best. “We beat them in the semi-final of the World Cup. That’s the most important thing. Nobody can forget this.
“That was the most important result from the three matches.”
Dalic pointed to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s distribution being key for England, plus the speed and athleticism of Raheem Sterling and others.
He added: “The first option for England is to play possession ball but if you press them high, as we saw against Spain in Seville, Pickford is probably the best goalkeeper in the world with long passes.
“It’s a great second option for them.”
Croatia had not scored in the Nations League before beating Spain 3-2 in Zagreb on Thursday, a win secured with a stoppage-time goal from Tin Jedvaj.
Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic has been ruled out of the match by an unspecified injury and Dalic’s main concern, rather than England’s performance, is whether his side can summon fresh energy following their heroics against Spain.
Dalic said: “I’m more worried about our team because we played against Spain two days ago. Yes, we are probably tired but I will try to get the best from my players.”
Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic is predicting an entertaining encounter, with both sides seeking victory.
Perisic said: “Of course both teams need to win tomorrow. If not Spain go through. If in the last 10 minutes it’s still a draw both teams will try to win the match.
“It’s difficult to say who is the favourite. If we play our best, like we did against Spain, I think we can win.”