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Maguire and Kane to start – Strongest 3-1-4-2 England XI to face Croatia

World Cup 2018: Predicted England XI to face Croatia

England finally seem to be the team that could take the World Cup home. It’s being sung everywhere, with a number of the national team players using it on their respective social networks. “It’s coming home” has officially become the Three Lions’ World Cup anthem.

Now, England will face Croatia in the semi-finals as they bid to bring football back to where it all started.

Striker Harry Kane is currently the top scorer in the tournament with 6 goals in 5 matches. This certainly seems to be England’s golden generation and Gareth Southgate could be the one to ultimately break the jinx.

However, the road to glory won’t be easy. The Three Lions must get past Croatia before making it to the finals. The Croats have taken out every single team seamlessly so far, meaning it will be an enticing fixture to watch. Here, we take a look at the possible line-up manager Gareth Southgate could field against the Croatians.

England Predicted XI

Manager: Gareth Southgate

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Jordan Pickford (GK)

The Everton shot-stopper has been in stunning form for the Three Lions over the last few games. He made a string of important saves against Sweden and he will certainly play a huge role against Croatia.

Harry Maguire (LCB)

The Leicester man has been a commander at the back for the Three Lions. He got his first competitive goal in the last fixture against Sweden and there’s no way he’s going to be dropped now.

Harry Maguire

John Stones (CB)

The former Everton defender won the Premier League with Manchester City last season and has carried that form into the World Cup. He will start again as Southgate must maintain stability in his defensive line.

Kyle Walker (RCB)

Another title winner with Manchester City, Walker is often deployed as a right-back but has been excellent in a three-man defence. His pace and ability on the ball pose a huge threat as well.

Jordan Henderson (CDM)

The Liverpool skipper has been an engine in the middle of the park for the Three Lions. Since the departures of Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, Henderson has been England’s pass master. His passing range will cause plenty of trouble for the Croatian defence.

Jordan Henderson

Ashley Young (LWB)

One of the most experienced players in the squad, Ashley Young has been consistent down the left flank. His constant runs and crosses have been largely beneficial for England’s attack.

Dele Alli (LCM)

Alli finally got his goal against Sweden in the last game. The midfielder hasn’t been in the best of form but he is the kind of player who is capable of pulling a goal out nowhere, regardless of how his game is going.

Jesse Lingard (RCM)

Jesse Lingard is the Three Lions’ showman and star. He has chipped in with one goal and one assist in 4 games so far and has looked devastating.

Kieran Trippier (RWB)

Tripper’s crosses into the box seem unrivalled at the moment. The Spurs defender has already got one assist to his name and there’s every chance he’ll get more.

Raheem Sterling (ST)

Sterling has been brilliant in the attack but hasn’t been able to get on the scoresheet just yet. He will certainly come good for the Three Lions after his stunning campaign with Manchester City.

Read More: A confidence booster? This Tottenham star’s nerve-wracking penalty for England could take him to the next level

Raheem Sterling

Harry Kane (ST)

It’s out of the question as to whether or not Harry Kane should start. The striker has once again shown his worth in front of the goal, bagging 6 goals in 5 games for the Three Lions. Croatia must be wary of the England captain.

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