Liam Flin
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England lost to Croatia in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia three years ago and will be looking for revenge when the teams meet in their first match at Euro 2020.
Plenty has changed since that game in Moscow and England is among the favorites to lift the trophy this summer with the tournament’s semi-finals and final taking place at Wembley Stadium.
England will also play all three of its group games at the London venue, starting with this match, and there is no shortage of offense talent on its roster, with Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Premier League Young Player of the Year Phil Foden, Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United among others.
Croatia has lost a handful of talent and experience since the 2018 World Cup but still possesses top midfielders Luka Modric and Matteo Kovacic as well as offensive talent Andrej Kramaric, who could impress. Here is our same game parlay for the matchup to add to the excitement.
England ML (-160)
Both teams to score (+118)
Phil Foden anytime goalscorer (+230)
Parlay odds: +804
This parlay has odds of over 8/1 and after you’ve read it, don’t forget to check out our full Group D preview and our picks to win the tournament and for top goalscorer.
England ML (-160)
Croatia finished runners-up at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 but there have been few signs of improvement since and key forward Mario Mandzukic is no longer part of the team.
The Croatians lost five of their six games at the most recent Nations League tournament, finishing below France and Portugal in their group, and their recent defeat to Slovenia in World Cup qualifying does not inspire much confidence.
At Wembley against an England team blessed with offensive quality, they should be opposed. Take the Three Lions to win this one.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for England vs. Croatia
Both teams to score (+118)
While England looks like one of the best teams at Euro 2020 in terms of offense, defense is an area of concern.
Manager Gareth Southgate has multiple options at right-back on his roster for the tournament but through the centre of their defense, there is a lack pace and quality, especially with Harry Maguire working his way back from an injury.
Tyrone Mings, Ben White and Conor Coady are in contention to partner John Stones in the middle but all of them lack experience and that could point to goals at Wembley.
Both teams scored in all six of Croatia’s Nations League matches and that could be a decent selection in our same-game parlay.
Phil Foden anytime goalscorer (+230)
Penalty-taker and star forward Harry Kane is the obvious choice to score for England in most matches at this summer’s European Championship but Phil Foden has just shown in the Premier League how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.
Foden can be expected to play as part of a front three for England and should be full of confidence after winning the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award for the season that has just finished.
The attacking midfielder scored 16 goals in all competitions for Manchester City in 2020-21 and looks a great bet to score at any time in this match at Wembley.
Don’t forget to read our Euro 2020 Sunday parlay, which pays at +1529 odds!
Pickswise is the home of free Soccer Predictions, with soccer picks from Euro 2020 throughout the tournament and the MLS all season long.
