England’s confirmed line-up for tonight’s UEFA Nations League encounter against Croatia brought negative reaction from fans who questioned Gareth Southgate’s decision to include certain players. With one star being singled out in particular.
England are looking to get their Nations League campaign back on track after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spain last month.
Upcoming opponents Croatia also lost their opening Nations League tie to Spain – World Cup finalists Croatia were left helpless in a shock 6-0 defeat.
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Gareth Southgate called up a host of new faces to his Three Lions squad last week; calling up youngsters Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and James Maddison.
Southgate also handed Brighton stalwart Lewis Dunk his first international call up after James Tarkowski was ruled out with injury.
Check out the confirmed England and Croatia line-ups below:
Here’s the official #ThreeLions teamsheet for tonight’s game! ? pic.twitter.com/pXKlZCfuDu
— England (@England) October 12, 2018
? #Croatia starting lineup! ?????????#BeProud #NationsLeague #CROENG pic.twitter.com/SmJhZrx1VT
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) October 12, 2018
Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell has been handed his first start for the Three Lions and Ross Barkley is making his first start for his country since March of 2016.
Barkley was brought back into the national team setup after returning to regular first team action in the Premier League under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
Fans have questioned the decision to start Tottenham’s Eric Dier with fans concerned with the 24-year-old’s lack of creativity from central midfield.
Check out their reaction below:
Too negative playing henderson and dier. Would’ve been good to see Maddison or Sancho.
— Haydn Hilton (@hilts031) October 12, 2018
Not enough creativity in the middle of the park. Glad to see Barkley starting though.
Should’ve had Henderson sitting and Maddison instead of Dier.
— Sam (@SamW160) October 12, 2018
Dierbolical
— Taylor fox (@foxtaylor01) October 12, 2018
Dier, there’s no other word for it
— Diop me out ? (@dustydockets) October 12, 2018
Fine except for Dier
— Stuart (@stuscott24) October 12, 2018
Negative
— Ben 9 and a half points to win the Ryder cup (@BenHolloway79) October 12, 2018
How is Dier even in the squad, never mind starting games
— David Dougan (@DavidDougan7) October 12, 2018
Why oh why oh why is Dier playing!?? Throw me a freaking bone here. He’s dog turd! What are we gaining from putting him in!??
— Will Hayton (@WillHayton1) October 12, 2018
Gareth Southgate will be hoping his side can exact revenge on Croatia – who knocked England out at the semi-final stages of the World Cup this summer.