LONDON: Harry Kane fired England into the Nations League semifinals as Gareth Southgate’s side scored twice in the last 12 minutes to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia on Sunday.
England were on the brink of relegation to the second tier of the competition after Andrej Kramaric gave Croatia the lead against the run of play in the second half at Wembley.
But Southgate’s vibrant young side pulled off a stirring escape act in the closing stages to gain a measure of revenge for their World Cup semifinal defeat against Croatia earlier this year.
Jesse Lingard came off the bench to poach England’s equalizer and captain Kane was on hand to turn in the winner with five minutes left.
England’s fightback took them to the top of Group A4, above Spain and relegated Croatia, and they can look forward to playing in the last four in June next year.
It was a cathartic moment for England, who have made a habit of suffering painful defeats against Croatia, with this year’s World Cup woe following the 2007 loss that cost them a place at Euro 2008.
More importantly, the performance provided further tangible proof that Southgate is building a team capable of challenging for the major prizes after years of under-achievement.
England’s appearance in the semifinals of the Nations League, which are set to be held in Portugal next June, offers another chance to reach their first major final since 1966.
Following the 3-2 Nations League win over Spain in Seville last month, this tournament has been a serious statement of intent from Southgate’s team and they will go into 2019 with great expectations.
From start to finish, England were the dominant force, although they were fortunate to escape when Ante Rebic shot over after Jordan Pickford fumbled Fabian Delph’s backpass.
Kane slipped a perfectly-weighted pass through to Raheem Sterling and the Manchester City winger’s blistering pace sent him clear of the Croatia defense.
With only Lovre Kalinic to beat, Sterling let Croatia off the hook as he directed a hesitant shot straight at the keeper.
England kept probing intelligently, with the speed of Sterling and Marcus Rashford providing their main threat.
Delph’s pass sparked a frantic sequence, forcing Kalinic to dash out of his area to head away from Sterling.
When Kalinic’s clearance fell to Kane, the England captain’s effort was headed off the line by Tin Jedvaj.
The rebound fell to Kane, but Kalinic, by now back in his goal, used his legs to foil the Tottenham striker with a last-ditch save.
It was more of the same at the start of the second half, but once again England couldn’t find the killer touch.
That profligacy looked as though it would prove fatal when Croatia snatched the lead after 56 minutes.
Kramaric was allowed time and space to turn in the area and the Hoffenheim forward took full advantage, clipping a shot that deflected off Eric Dier and looped over Pickford’s despairing dive.
Southgate responded by sending on Lingard and the change reaped an instant reward as England equalized in the 78th minute.
Joe Gomez’s long throw was flicked on by John Stones and Kane prodded past Kalinic, leaving Lingard with the simple task of tapping in from virtually on the goal-line.
England’s deserved winner arrived in the 85th minute.
Ben Chilwell curled over a teasing low free-kick and Kane timed his run to perfection, guiding his shot past Kalinic from close-range.
Kane’s first goal in eight games for England sparked a wild celebration from Southgate, who leapt into the air as he punched the air on the touchline.
Kane had joked with his fiancee this week that he would cry if England ever win a trophy, but he couldn’t guarantee he would weep when they get married.
Thanks to their thrilling comeback, England could bring a tear to Kane’s eyes in the Finals next year.
England avenge World Cup Croatia defeat to reach Nations League final four
England avenge World Cup Croatia defeat to reach Nations League final four
- Kane’s first goal in eight games for England sparked a wild celebration from manager Southgate
- England were on the brink of relegation to the second tier of the competition after Andrej Kramaric gave Croatia the lead
Trainer Tom Clover targets Gulf success with runners in Saudi Arabia and Qatar this weekend
- Rogue Lightning, which gave Clover with his first major international success at the Dukhan Sprint in Qatar a year ago, lines up at the HH The Amir Sword Festival in Doha
- Tabletalk, which has finished in the top 3 in 8 of 11 career starts and only failed to make the prize money once, takes on Red Sea Turf Handicap at the Saudi Cup
LONDON: Newmarket-based trainer Tom Clover will have two runners in the Gulf on Saturday: Rogue Lightning is set to line up at the HH The Amir Sword Festival in Doha, while Tabletalk will compete on Saudi Cup night in Riyadh.
Rogue Lightning provided Clover with his first major international success when he landed the Dukhan Sprint in Qatar last February, delivering a first victory in the country’s biggest sprint race for the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and his Wathnan Racing operation.
Following that success, the 6-year-old campaigned in the US, where he finished second in a Grade 2 contest at Keeneland. He has run only twice since returning to the UK, contesting the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket before a Listed all-weather appearance in November after a break.
During a conversation with Great British Racing International, Clover said of Rogue Lightning: “He is a lovely horse and he looks to be in good shape going back there (to Doha). We had a right-handed racecourse gallop to get him used to going around a bend and he seemed to enjoy that, so I am pleased with his preparation.
“When he went there last February, he improved his condition in the week leading up to the race, so we hope that will be the case again. He likes the warm weather, so some sun could get him into even better condition.
“It was fantastic to win the Dukhan Sprint last year, and to do it for the emir at home, with him in attendance, made it even more special. The experience was great and it was a day we will always remember.”
Clover will also be represented on the Saudi Cup undercard on Saturday, where the consistent Tabletalk will contest the Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap for Emirati owner Abdulla Al-Mansoori.
The five-year-old has finished in the top three in eight of his 11 career starts, and only failed to make the prize money once, in the 2024 Derby at Epsom Downs.
“Tabletalk was placed on nearly all of his starts last year,” Clover told Great British Racing International. “He ran second in two very good races early in the season, at Newbury in Group 3 company. At Royal Ascot, he was not beaten far despite a difficult draw. We were expecting a bit more in his last two runs but he still performed well to finish in the placings.
“The way he won the Melrose Handicap at the York Ebor Festival in 2024 makes me confident he can do well over the 1 mile, 7 furlongs in the Red Sea Turf Handicap. It is still a question mark, as he has not raced over that distance before, but I feel it should work in his favor.
“He was gelded towards the end of last year, which I think will help him when traveling and allow us to target major international meetings. The Saudi Cup is a great spectacle to be part of during the winter here in Britain, and the Red Sea Turf is a very valuable handicap.”
Clover also outlined his hopes for the season and highlighted the importance of his owners.
“We have a great bunch of horses at Kremlin House Stables and we are really looking forward to this year,” he said.
“I am grateful to have high-profile international owners like Wathnan Racing and Al-Mansoori who are keen to travel their horses, and I hope I can deliver some great results for them on the racecourse.”
