UEFA Nations League
Result: Croatia 0-0 England
Date: 12 October 2018
Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka
England remain winless in the UEFA Nations League after they played to a goalless draw against Croatia on Friday evening.
Smarting from their 6-0 mauling by Spain, the Croats were eager to get another over the English in a repeat of the semi-final battle at the World Cup three months ago.
The Three Lions, who also tasted defeat to the same Spain, were out to set the record straight against a side known for their never-say-die spirit in a match behind closed doors.
Ivan Perisic carved out the first opportunity from a corner after the ball fell kindly in his path, but his shot was blocked by Eric Dier.
Minutes later, Ante Rebic attempted to catch Jordan Pickford off guard with a chip but succeeded only in finding the top of the net.
The Croats were creating the better chances with little coming in the way of the opposition. Andrej Kramaric missed an inviting opportunity to break the deadlock, shooting into the ground off a cross.
However, the English ended the first half with the best chance after Dier's glancing header clipped the outside post on its way out of the field.
England got the second half underway, with both managers sticking to the preferred eleven that did duty in the first stanza than making early alterations.
Good play from Croatia came after initial delaying from Kramaric in getting the shot way only made way to Perisic to unleash a well-struck shot which Jordan Pickford palmed aside.
After being absolutely silenced in the first period, Harry Kane finally made his presence felt when a right-sided cross found his head but it crashed against the crossbar after being left unmarked.
The chances kept coming on their end after Marcus Rashford got picked out by Kyle Walker. But, with just Dominic Livakovic to beat, the forward shot poorly, leaving Livakovic with an easy save to make.
The Croats made the game's first change when Marko Pjaca replaced Perisic. After sustaining a percentage of the clash, England saw it fit to bring on their first change.
Raheem Sterling, who had a quiet night by all accounts giving his quality, made way for youngster Jadon Sancho.
Despite the late flurry from both sides, the World Cup semi-finalists played out a lukewarm goalless draw.The Three Lions will now take on Spain in their next Nations League encounter on Monday.
