Advertisement

Southgate relishing winner-takes-all Croatia clash at sold out Wembley

On target: Southgate congratulates Wilson after his debut goal at Wembley: Action Images via Reuters
On target: Southgate congratulates Wilson after his debut goal at Wembley: Action Images via Reuters

Gareth Southgate is relishing a tough test against Croatia, with everything riding on the final Uefa Nations League game.

After Tin Jedvaj scored a 93rd minute winner as the World Cup finalists beat Spain 3-2, England can win the goup with victory on Sunday, but could yet be relagated from their League.

England showed some fine attacking prowess in their 3-0 win over USA at Wembley on Thursday, but Southgate called fror improvement. "It's shown the quality that Croatia have," Southgate said.

READ MORE: Rooney: Guzan was determined I didn't score

READ MORE: Jadon Sancho and Callum Wilson point to bright England future

READ MORE: Rooney backs Kane to topple his England record

"They've shown not only their quality but their resilience again to win it in the 93rd minute.

"It's brilliant. It sets up a really good finish to the year here. I think it was already a sell-out crowd and it's a game with plenty riding on it, which is exactly the sort of test we want."

Sunday's clash is the Three Lions final game of 2018 and, after what appears to be a seminal year for English football, Southgate is keen to end on a high and have something to carry into 2019.

"I think we were very keen that we moved on from the World Cup as quickly as possible," he added.

"It has been a brilliant year whatever happens on Sunday.

"But I think everybody wants to go another stage and get to a semi-final out of a group which has been as tough as any in this competition."

Having missed out against USA both Luke Shaw and Joe Gomez will return to training ahead of Sunday's game.