England vs Croatia: 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Luka Modric vs Declan Rice

Modric will have to be at his best

Croatia's difficult transitional period will face a reckoning against England at Euro 2020 this weekend and the away side may well find itself banking on the most important member of its famed old guard. Luka Modric remains as effervescent as ever on the football pitch and has been one of Real Madrid's better players this season.

While Luka Modric seemingly approaches the end of a glittering international career, 22-year-old midfielder Declan Rice is just getting started with England. West Ham United's midfielder lynchpin has been a brilliant find in the Premier League and has been linked to some of England's biggest clubs.

Luka Modric was made a refugee at the age of six after his grandfather was shot dead. He grew up to the sound of grenades exploding.He was then told he was too shy and weak to play football.The story of his journey to the top is inspirational. https://t.co/CAhX6oqP5u

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 5, 2021

The one thing Rice does lack is experience on the big stage, however, and a battle against Luka Modric is no cakewalk. England's prodigious defensive midfielder has a long way to go and has a golden opportunity to prove his mettle against the best in the business.

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#2 Mason Mount vs Mateo Kovacic

Mount and Kovacic are teammates at Chelsea

Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic have spent the past several months training together at Chelsea and are both important players in the Blues' midfield unit. On Sunday, however, the two midfielders will find themselves in direct opposition with each other as England take on Croatia at UEFA Euro 2020.

Mount has been one of Chelsea's most important players this season and has come into his own under Thomas Tuchel. The English midfield gem bagged an assist in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City and will play a key role in the Three Lions' fortunes this summer.

In contrast, Mateo Kovacic has found himself falling in Chelsea's pecking order but his talent and ability cannot be underestimated. Croatia have always relied on their formidable midfield and Kovacic will be intent on keeping his Blues teammate quiet this weekend.

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#1 Harry Kane vs Duje Caleta-Car

Harry Kane holds the key for England

England have several attacking options going into Euro 2020 but only one striker can arguably take them all the way this year. Harry Kane has enjoyed yet another exceptional Premier League campaign and has scored 23 goals with Tottenham Hotspur.

Kane has also worked on his all-round game this year and his 14 assists are a testament to his development into one of the game's most complete striker. The England captain can singlehandedly win matches on his day and will want to be at his best against Croatia this weekend.

Thank you for all your entries to draw the header of my Twitter and Facebook for the Euros. Congratulations to Jack H for his winning entry! Thanks for all the support can’t wait to get started. 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/KaTUABr8yc

— Harry Kane (@HKane) June 8, 2021

In what has been a tumultuous season for Marseille, Duje Caleta-Car has been something of a silver lining and has put in some reliable performances. The highly-rated centre-back will face one of the most difficult tests of his career against Harry Kane, however, and cannot afford to put a foot wrong against the England striker.

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