England vs Croatia: 5 areas where England lost the game to Croatia

#2 Failure to handle the rising threat from Croatia

Before the game, much was said of the fantastic partnership between Rakitic and Modric in the middle of the park and quite rightly so. Yet, England ensured that the duo were reduced to spectators for much of the first half. Modric could not find the space to make those passes, because on the wings, Perisic and Rebic were closed down and not given room to move. Rakitic was restricted from making those darting runs from the midfield. Croatia were confined from all sides on the pitch and were forced to attempt long shots.

But in the second half, Perisic led the attacking threat and him along with Rebic and Mandzukic stretched the defence so that Rakitic and Modric found space. Brozovic grew on the game and asserted his authority in the middle of the park. As a result, the Croatia defence started to handle the English attack well and began unfolding the wings of its attack. England looked weary after conceding and when they should have held their ground, they allowed Croatia back in.