BBC Sport Spotlights 5 Croatia Threats Before England's Group L Opener
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 17
BBC Sport Spotlights 5 Croatia Threats Before England's Group L Opener
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 17
Summary
Five Croatia players dominate BBC Sport's preview of Wednesday's Group L opener with England, underscoring why the world No. 11 side is again seen as a stern test.
Luka Modric, 40, remains the centerpiece as he closes on his 200th cap after recovering from a fractured cheekbone, while Andrej Kramaric brings 36 international goals after scoring 6 times in qualifying.
At the back, 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic arrives after a breakout Hamburg loan, and Josko Gvardiol has returned from a 4-month layoff caused by a fractured shinbone.
Petar Sucic, 22, rounds out the watchlist after becoming a regular in midfield, reflecting how Croatia are blending an ageing core with a new generation.
That mix still includes 6 survivors from Croatia's 2018 run to the World Cup final, after they also finished third in 2022.