European Championship play-off first leg
Croatia U-21 to seek a positive result in England
10.10.2014.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
On Friday, Croatia U-21 faces England in the first leg of the European Championships play-offs.
Excellent performances in qualifying round Group 5 and winning the top spot ahead of Ukraine and Switzerland brought Croatia U-21 on the brink of the final success of reaching the final tournament in Czech Republic next year. In the play-offs, Nenad Gračan's men take on England.
The first leg is to be played on Friday, 10 October in Wolverhampton, with both teams in search for a positive result before the return leg in Vinkovci, to be played on Tuesday, 14 October.
Coach Gračan will miss Bayer Leverkusen defender Tin Jedvaj due to injury, with Mato Miloš of Spezia called-up.
Gareth Southgate, at England's helm, had Carl Jenkinson ruled out and Calum Chambers promoted to senior squad. Luke Shaw of Manchester United is ready to play.
"We are highly motivated, and full of confidence. We want to reach the final tournament. England dominated its group and plays together for a long time, but Croatia is a quality team too. Once on the field of play, we play 11 against 11. My players have to be aware of that", summarized Gračan.
At Molineux Stadium, the referee is Javier Estrada from Spain, with the kick-off at 18:45.
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