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Croatia team news: Predicted line up vs England – Barcelona ace Ivan Rakitic ruled out
CROATIA will be without Ivan Rakitic for their vital Nations League clash with England at Wembley on Sunday (2pm).
Croatia have a chance to finish top of their Nations League group and relegate England when they meet at Wembley.
Zlatko Dalic’s side can overtake Spain at the summit of League A, Group 4 with victory over the Three Lions while a score draw would relegate Gareth Southgate’s men.
However, a goalless stalemate or defeat against England would see the Croatia’s drop down to League B and the home side book a spot in the 2019 finals.
The World Cup semi-finalists head into the match without star midfielder Ivan Rakitic following a thigh injury.
The Barcelona ace picked up an injury during the 3-2 win over Spain on Thursday and has returned to his club for further tests.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Dalic said: "Rakitic has a minor injury. It isn't anything serious but my I never put my players at risk.
“He'll return to Barcelona.”
Rakitic asked to be substituted during the thrilling encounter and was replaced by Everton midfielder Nikola Vlasic in the 67th minute.
Either Vlasic or Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic will deputise for the 30-year-old alongside Marcelo Brozovic.
Luka Modric will start in an advanced central role, flanked by Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic while Andrej Kramaric should be deployed up front.
Dalic is expected to name the same back four that featured against Spain with Tin Jedvaj standing in at left-back.
Meanwhile, England are likely to make numerous changes from the side that beat the USA 3-0 on Thursday with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling among those returning.
Croatia predicted line-up vs England
(4-2-3-1): Kalinic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Jedvaj; Brozovic, Kovacic; Rebic, Modric, Perisic; Kramaric