Introduction

On June 13th, 2021, one of the most anticipated matches of the European Championship will take place - England versus Croatia. This game will mark the beginning of the competition, and many fans across the globe eagerly await the outcome of this battle. Both teams have a rich footballing history, and their past meetings have been closely fought affairs. In this article, we will explore both teams' recent form, key players to watch, and predictions for the match.

Recent Form

England comes into the tournament on the back of an impressive run of results, winning seven of their last ten matches. Their defense has been particularly solid, conceding just four goals in their last ten games. Gareth Southgate's side also boasts a strong attacking line-up, with the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Raheem Sterling among their ranks. In contrast, Croatia has struggled for form of late. They have won just three of their last ten games and have lost to teams such as Slovenia and Turkey. However, Croatia will be buoyed by their impressive performance at the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the final.

Key Players to Watch

England's captain, Harry Kane, will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch in this game. The Tottenham striker has enjoyed another impressive season, scoring 23 goals in 35 league appearances. He will be looking to carry his excellent club form into the tournament and lead his country to glory. Raheem Sterling is another player who could have a big impact on the game for England. The Manchester City forward has enjoyed a great season, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. For Croatia, Luka Modric remains their talisman. The Real Madrid midfielder has often been the driving force behind their success in recent years and will be looking to pull the strings in midfield once again.

Predictions

This game promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing quality players and a desire to make a strong start to the tournament. England will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and begin their campaign with a win. However, Croatia will be a tough opponent and cannot be underestimated. The outcome of the game is difficult to predict, but a draw seems the most likely outcome. Both teams will be happy to avoid defeat in their opening match and use it as a springboard for their remaining fixtures. Whatever the result, this game promises to be an exciting start to what should be a thrilling European Championship.