England vs Croatia match of Euro qualifying 2008 is now knocking at the door. The match is set to be held at the Wembley Stadium tomorrow. For England, this is perhaps the biggest match of this year. Their qualifying to Euro 2008 competition now depends on the result of this match. England must finish the match with at least a draw to secure a place in Euro 2008 along with Group E leader Croatia.
However, England will miss some of their major players for this important match. It is needless to say that England will have some advantage as the home team. However, at this moment, England coach Steve McClaren is busy with making the team combination. England will miss strikers Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and defender Rio Ferdinand. Captain John Terry is not sure yet for the match against Croatia. So, no doubt, England is now under pressure though coach McClaren thinks that the strikers he has at this moment are enough to try out against Croatia. He also focused on experienced players ahead of the Croatia match and he called David Beckham considering his vast experience of playing in this level of football.
The good news for England is that Owen Hargreaves came back to the squad and he might be seen pairing with Beckham in the English mid field. However, England has few options left in the striking position. Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has got a call to England team. With his inclusion, the number of fit strikers reaches at four. The other strikers are Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith who will carry the hopes of England fans. England defense seems balanced despite the absence of Rio Ferdinand. Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Phil Neville, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge are enough to face the Croatian strikers. Paul Robinson is expected to stand under the goal post. So, England may face some problem in the striking position because of those injurious players. Let us see if England can resist the Croatia to get the ticket of final competition of Euro 2008. Time will give the answer of it.
Here, I am giving the names of the players of England squad:
Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur), David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Wes Brown (Manchester United), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Phil Neville (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United)
Forwards: Alan Smith (Newcastle United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur)
Related articles:
Reuters
Guardian
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