Sterling can cash in for England, says Southgate
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate is not surprised Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has identified Raheem Sterling as one of the biggest threats to his country’s World Cup hopes.
Sterling has been criticised in some quarters during England’s campaign in Russia but is expected to start in the crunch semi-final clash against Croatia in Moscow tonight (7pm).
Southgate told his pre-match press conference: “I’m not surprised that Croatia have identified Raheem as a key player.
“If you look at all of our attacking patterns and the way that our front four have combined and played, he’s been instrumental in that, so I think he’s a player that’s really appreciated by the team.
“I’ve seen lots of ex-players and had lots of messages from ex-players as well who have the same view, so we’re really pleased with his contribution, and his work-rate as well without the ball has been incredible for us.”
Southgate was also asked about World Cup fever gripping fans at home, and the popularity of the song ‘Football’s Coming Home’, which was first released for Euro 96, where he missed the crucial penalty in a semi-final shoot-out with Germany.
He said with a smile: “’Football’s Coming Home’ is a song I couldn’t even listen to for 20 years, frankly, so for me it has a slightly different feel.
“It’s nice to hear people enjoying it again, anyway.”
Midfielder Jordan Henderson added: “It’s a special feeling to know HERE, Press Association Sport looks back at the two countries’ past five competitive meetings since Croatia gained diplomatic recognition by the United Nations in 1992.
June 21, 2004: Euro 2004 group stage, Croatia 2 England 4
Wayne Rooney was given a standing ovation at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon as England booked a place in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals against hosts Portugal in style. Rooney, then 18, scored twice after setting up Paul Scholes for the equaliser before Frank Lampard added a late fourth in a Three Lions display which won lavish praise from the English media.
October 11, 2006: Euro 2008 qualifier, Croatia 2 England 0
Croatia exacted revenge with the help of goalkeeper Paul Robinson’s blunder by sending Steve McClaren’s England spinning to a dismal defeat that the people back home and out here in Russia are enjoying the experience just as much as we are.
“All the celebrations and the songs they are singing back home, it inspires us as players to be able to bring the nation together and put smiles on people’s faces.
“That’s the biggest thing so far to come out of it and we just want to continue to do that and do everybody proud.”
Southgate also expressed his gratitude to the people who had helped him along the path to managing a team in a World Cup semi-final. in Zagreb. Eduardo headed the home side into a deserved 61st-minute lead. Eight minutes later, Gary Neville’s back-pass bobbled up after hitting a divot on the six-yard line as Robinson went to clear and the goalkeeper watched in agony as the ball rolled in.
November 21, 2007: Euro 2008 qualifier, England 2 Croatia 3
England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 was confirmed after another woeful display at Wembley, which earned McClaren his ‘Wally with the Brolly’ moniker. Scott Carson, who had replaced Robinson, fumbled Nico Kranjcar’s shot into the net and Ivica Olic slipped in a second. Lampard pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half and Peter Crouch equalised but Mladen Petric crashed home a 25-yard winner.
He said: “Whenever you are involved in a tournament like this, you do think about the people who have helped you along the way, and every coach I worked with, teacher, players that I’ve played with...
“I’ve had lots of lovely messages from people and some big influences in my life, all of whom have played a part in my sitting here today, so I’m very grateful for support and help I’ve had across my 30 years in football, and of course from my parents before that.
“You are always conscious of that because none of us are where we are
September 10, 2008: World Cup qualifier, Croatia 1 England 4
This time it was England’s turn to gain sweet revenge as teenager Theo Walcott fired a brilliant hat-trick to inflict on Croatia their first home defeat in a competitive fixture. Wayne Rooney converted an excellent third goal for rampant England. Mario Mandzukic notched a consolation after Robert Kovac was sent off.
September 9, 2009: World Cup qualifier, England 5 Croatia 1
A place at South Africa 2010 for England was secured with five qualifying matches still to play. Lampard, his first from the penalty spot, and Steven Gerrard both struck twice in either half and Eduardo’s token effort for Croatia was swiftly snuffed out when Rooney added a fifth. just because of ourselves. It’s the support of those around you and the people that were there for you in difficult times as well as when things were going well.”
Southgate is set to stick with his last-eight side for England’s historic World Cup semi-final in an unchanged line-up after Jordan Henderson, Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane were all passed fit.
Croatia have doubts over goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and rightback Sime Vrsaljko with former Spurs man Vedran Corluka on standby to deputise in defence.