UEFA Nations League
Result: England 2-1 Croatia
Date: 18 November 2018
Venue: Wembley Stadium
England advanced to the UEFA Nations League finals after coming from behind to defeat Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The Three Lions knew anything less than three points would see them get relegated, while the Croatians needed to win to advance. Harry Kane almost opened the scoring for Gareth Southgate's charges in the 12th minute with an opportunity to score into an empty net after goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic over-committed just outside the box but defender Tin Jedvaj was on hand to clear just before the line. Zlakto Dalic's troops were growing in the game after 20 minutes having a good spell of possession but they were not posing danger in the last third. The Three Lions were organised defensively and had spells of threatening counter-attacks with the front trio of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and Kane impressing. However, the two sides could not get on the scoresheet as the first stanza ended goalless. Southgate's troops were on the front foot early in the second stanza but they were not getting clear chances. Andrej Kramaric broke the deadlock for the Vatreni three minutes before the hour with a deflected strike off Eric Dier after twisting and turning inside the box before he finally released his shot, 0-1. Kyle Walker fancied his chances for the Three Lions in the 68th minute with a threatening long range strike but his effort was smothered by Kalinic. Substitute Jesse Lingard got England back in the game 12 minutes before time with a simple tap-in from point-blank range after a goalmouth scramble, 1-1. Domagoj Vida nearly snatched the winner for the Croats eight minutes before time with a powerful header inside the box but Lingard cleared the effort off the line. Kane then made it 2-1 for the hosts five minutes before time with an outstretched shot inside the box from a set-piece situation. Croatia lacked momentum in the closing minutes to get the equaliser and ultimately crashed to defeat, which has seen them relegated from League A while spain finished second. 
