Croatia probably expected a tough test in their first Euro 2020 trip to England, but what they did not expect was the sub-pair performance they produced themselves.
Zlatko Dalic’s side barely put a glove on the Three Lions at Wembley last Sunday and their 1-0 defeat puts them facing an uphill climb to qualify from Group D.
Their next match sees them face a Czech team that will no doubt be full of confidence after their 2-0 win over Scotland earlier this week, and the 2018 World Cup finalists will need to be at their best if they are to win when the two sides meet on Friday.
This is how 90min thinks Dalic can set up his team for his trip to Hampden Park.
Domagoj Vida will start in defense / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Dominik Livakovic (GK) – Was unlucky to concede to Raheem Sterling on Sunday after doing his best to shut him down. A quiet afternoon at Wembley as a whole and hope for similar this Friday.
Sime Vrsaljko (RB) – Needs to go ashore defensively if his team is to stay clean, but he is exciting to see in the future to be fair to the Atletico Madrid man.
Domagoj Vida (CB) – Seems to have been a fixture in Croatia’s defense since international football was invented and Friday will no doubt be no different.
Duje Caleta-Car (CB) – Pulled into the back line in the absence of Dejan Lovren last time and despite the former Liverpool man being in shape again, he should retain his place after a decent display.
Josko Gvardiol (LB) – Task to fill in left-back at Wembley and will probably be asked to do the same against the Czech Republic.
Luka Modric will be the captain of the site / Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Luka Modric (CM) – Was not his usual majestic self against Gareth Southgate’s side and will need to have a much greater influence on the procedure if his side is to get the three points.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) – Helped add driving to midfield in their opener but was caught out defensively and much like his midfield partner Modric he needs to improve.
Nikola Vlasic (CM) – Can get his first start of the competition on Friday after coming off the bench on Sunday.
Ivan Perisic is likely to start in the front line / Carl Recine – Pool / Getty Images
Josip Brekalo (RW) – Another who was left out of start XI at Wembley and only got 20 minutes in the second half. If Dalic is keen to mix things up, Brekalo will likely be one of those drafted on the page.
Bruno Petkovic (ST) – Seems to have added more goals to his game in recent seasons and given Ante Rebic’s poor performance against England, he could get his chance.
Ivan Perisic (LW) – Probably the only survivor from the front line who started at Wembley. Has scored some great goals for his country over the years and they will rely heavily on him at Hampden Park.
