Predicted 3-5-2 England line-up for semi-final against Croatia

England’s path to the World Cup semi-final is quite a story in itself. Their opponents Croatia also have a similar fairytale to share as both countries get set to lock horns for a spot in the final.

Gareth Southgate‘s men comfortably beat Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-final, with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli. The Three Lions’ prowess from set-pieces (8 goals from dead-ball situations) has probably been the most surprising thing in Russia so far.

The England manager shouldn’t make any changes to the line-up or the formation. The 47-year-old must deploy a 3-5-2 system as usual.

Dele Alli might play a restricted role with Jordan Henderson to guard against the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in the midfield. It will simultaneously allow Jesse Lingard to make forward runs and aid Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Croatia function in a flexible 4-2-3-1 system, where they rely on wingers combining with full-backs to create scoring situations in wide areas. So, England must be careful that they don’t get outnumbered on the flanks.

Let us take a look at the predicted lineup for England.

Predicted England Lineup v Croatia

Manager – Gareth Southgate

Formation – 3-5-2

Jordan Pickford (GK)

Pickford has gone from strength-to-strength since his shootout saves against Colombia. He made three fantastic saves to earn a sheet clean against Sweden, allowing England to progress safely.

Kyle Walker (RCB)

Walker has done tremendously well to adapt to his new right centre-back role. He has been a model of consistency and he will be crucial against Croatia.

John Stones (CB)

Stones is a pivotal figure in England’s spine, playing as a deeper centre-back. He sets the defensive line high for England and has done well to abide by it. The Manchester City man has been a threat from set-pieces too.

Harry Maguire (LCB)

The bulky Leicester centre-back has more to his game than just physicality. His passing from the back is impeccable, mixed with his ability to win balls in the air and threaten from dead-ball situations. Maguire opened the scoring against Sweden from a corner to epitomize his danger.

Kieran Trippier (RWB)

A three-man backline suits Trippier since he can make forward runs without worrying about his defensive duties. In fact, the Tottenham man has great tenacity to cover back when required.

Ashley Young (LWB)

No one expected Ashley Young to take part in the World Cup for England. The 32-year-old has not only taken the left wing-back spot but has also performed well to make that place his own. He has injected new life into his England career and will deservingly play a World Cup semi-final.

Jordan Henderson (DM)

Henderson is another player who was set to play a fringe role in Russia. Eric Dier’s injury prior to the first game opened the door for Henderson, and how well he performed to grab his chance! The Liverpool captain is now one of the key components of this English machine.

Dele Alli (LCM)

Alli played a reserved role in the first-half against Sweden and did all the ugly work with Henderson. In the second period, he moved forward and was impactful as he scored England’s second goal to kill the game off. He is expected to play a similar role against Croatia as well.

Jesse Lingard (RCM)

Just like Alli, Lingard was quiet in the first-half and came to life in the second. It was partly due to the fact that Sweden were chasing a goal which opened up spaces between the lines for him to run into. Interestingly, Lingard will get that sort of space against Croatia too but it remains to be seen how well he utilizes it.

Raheem Sterling (SS)

Despite not finishing off his chances, Sterling was one of the best players against Sweden. His ability to run behind the defence to stretch the game is just fantastic. With the Croats playing expansive football, Sterling is certain to find spaces to exploit.

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Harry Kane (ST)

Kane had a quiet game against Sweden but was quite effective with his movement off the ball. Expect him to be razor-sharp against Croatia and increase his goal tally to cement his place for the Golden Boot.