Gračan: "England dominated, but Croatia is a quality team too"

After securing top spot in the qualifying group, Croatia U-21 will face England in the European Championship play-off matches. Head coach Nenad Gračan will miss injured Bayer Leverkusen defender Tin Jedvaj, who was replaced by Mato Miloš of Spezia. Forward Ante Rebić of RB Leipzig will join the team on Tuesday.

"We are highly motivated, and full of confidence. We want to reach the final tournament, although it will be difficult, since England dominated its group. England team plays together for a long time, they are aggressive and does not skip midfield, but Croatia is a quality team too. We have already shown that", said Gračan.

"Moreover, we have to push England further back from our goal, they are individually very skilled and have to close enough space. Berahino scored nine goals, found the net against Liverpool as well, and goalie Butland gives them even more security", he continued.

England will host Croatia on 10 October in Wolverhampton, with the return leg scheduled for 14 October in Vinkovci.

"Once on the field of play, we play 11 against 11. My players have to be aware of that, and we must not be our own enemies by not playing as we agreed to play. We need an active result in the first leg and then we will try to reach our goal in Vinkovci", said Gračan.

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