England comeback sends Croatia to League B

In its final appearance in this year's UEFA Nations League, Zlatko Dalić's men visited England. A really competitive game saw them lose to the hosts, who secured Final Four berth.

Croatia was the first with a promising opportunity as Rebić's effort following England's defensive mistake went over the bar, but the hosts then took the initiative and started to create chances. Kalinić denied Sterling in a "one-on-one" situation, and Kane fumbled the ball later on at the far post.

On 16 minutes, Kalinić and Jedvaj saved the day for Croatia, with Chilwell's effort parried by Kalinić ten minutes later. Barkley came close in the closing minutes of the first half, and another issue for the visitors was Vrsaljko's injury: he was replaced by Milić in 26th minute.

In the second half, England continued to press, but Croatia took the lead. On 57 minutes, Kramarić managed to shoot from the centre of the box, and it was deflected past Pickford.

Furthermore, the Vatreni threatened in two promising counterattacking moves, but England equalized on 78 minutes. Substitute Lingard tapped the ball in following Kane's effort. Croatia had another golden opportunity as Vida's header was cleared off the line, and in the end the Three Lions turned things completely around. Chilwell's cross five minutes from time was converted by Kane (2:1).

Croatia was thus relegated to League B, and England joined hosts Portugal at the UEFA Nations League Final Four. The other two semifinalists are to be determined from the France/Netherlands and Switzerland/Belgium pairings. 

UEFA Nations League, Group A4:
1. England 7
2. Spain 6
3. Croatia 4

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