World Cup 2018: 4 things Croatia could do to beat England in the semifinal

#3 Exploiting the space left behind by England’s wingbacks

Ivan Perisic

England rely a great deal on their wing backs, especially Kieran Trippier, to generate their attacks. The Croatian side midfielders would have to get into the space behind the English wingbacks. Ivan Rakitic would tend to move into the central areas at times, but Perisic would have to make sure that he remains a constant threat through the left flank.

Perisic and Rakitic would also have to cut in from the wings at times to confront the English centre-backs who would be busy containing Mandzukic and Rebic. Rebic also has a tendency of moving to the wide areas occasionally and could combine with Perisic to trouble the English defence. His lateral movements would mean that one of the English centre backs becomes occupied with him and as a result, Mandzukic would find it easier to trouble the other two.