England 2-1 Croatia: 5 Hits and Flops, UEFA Nations League 2018/19

Kane is mobbed after netting a late winner for England, securing their Nations League semi-final spot
Kane is mobbed after netting a late winner for England, securing their Nations League semi-final spot

#3 Flop: Ante Rebic

Rebic struggled to capitalise on a few promising chances and was replaced at half-time
Rebic struggled to capitalise on a few promising chances and was replaced at half-time

Perhaps a harsh selection here, I'm holding Rebic to a higher standard after his impressive World Cup campaign.

Just like Vrsaljko and a few other starters, you can suggest that fatigue was a factor in his poor display here after playing 90 minutes during Thursday's dramatic win over Spain. However, there's no excuse as to why he failed to even hit the target just two minutes in - after Pickford's nervy goalkeeping moment after a backpass.

He was wasteful in possession throughout and playing as their lone striker, that's just not good enough. 62.5% pass accuracy and 24 touches during an eventful first-half - but not in a good way - he fired another strike wildly over the crossbar and lacked composure when it was needed most.

Rightly replaced at the interval for a younger, more energetic Josip Brekalo, the 20-year-old winger was dangerous on the flank, passed the ball more accurately and offered something different too.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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