The CroatianSports.com Recommended Starting XI for Bilić at Wembley

Slaven Bilić will lead his 5th match as Croatian manager in the post-Dalić era at Wembley against Tuchel’s England on Thursday. Croatia will want to show up and show that the Rujevica result was a one-off. Here is how I think Croatia should line up at Wembley.

Goalkeeping Situation

Livaković hasn’t played a single minute in between the sticks for Barcelona since the last break, but he’s still an obvious choice in goal; come 2027, that will become a spot for Kotarski and Pandur to earn, as most of us will rarely see Livaković play when the first international break of the new year rolls around. Kotarski so far has been the perfect pickup for Dinamo, with a few questionable decisions every now and then, e.g. the run out against Junior Fernandes in the Rudeš loss. But his saves have earned Dinamo some very crucial points, and he’s only been at the club for just over two months.

As for Pandur, he’s been good at Rangers. He has kept 9 clean sheets and conceded just 14 goals in 19 matches for the Scottish giants. Pandur is a better shot-stopper than Kotarski, so he would probably suit us better. But if Bilić chooses to go very aggressive and wants a modern sweeper keeper, Kotarski is the man for the job. But still, way too early for that debate.

Defence: Give Luka and Joško Time

With Šutalo gone, we need to revert to Joško Gvardiol and Vušković as our partnership. If Josip hadn’t been injured against Napoli, I would have continued with him and Vušković, as they’re both phenomenal on the ball. Šutalo gives the mobility while the Brighton CB gives you physical dominance. Now, the only player similar to Šutalo is Gvardiol. The two EPL defenders fit like a glove on paper for a perfect CB pairing; we just need to get them playing together as much as possible. The situation is far from perfect: Gvardiol has continued to play left-back under Maresca, and he’s been struggling for form since returning from injury.

I see it as our only realistic option, unless Bilić wants to go super defensive with two physical but less mobile CBs, but that’s not the football Bilić has hinted at playing with the Vatreni. Our other options are Ćaleta-Car and Dinamo’s Niko Galešić. DĆC is a good CB overall, good on the ball, and physically dominant. The only issue is his speed, as I would say he’s slower than Vušković. I see him as a great back-up for the 19-year-old. As for Galešić, it’s tough seeing him get minutes, but he could step in for Gvardiol if need be.

And my decision was also heavily influenced by the fact that we now have a natural left-back in Šimun Hrgović, and yes, it’s very risky to play the new guys off the bat, but the Hajduk LB has earned his call-up, and it would be a massive learning experience for him to go up against one of the world’s greatest national teams. Even if he performs badly, he would still learn a lot more than he does against the likes of Gorica, Rudeš, etc. And right-back, not much debate: Stanišić should keep his spot.

Midfield: 6 and 8

In Rijeka last time, we were killed in transitions. There’s little to analyse in that match as it was a freak result, a one-off. At least, we hope so. But Kovačić and Modrić weren’t a great solution when we didn’t have Broz in behind them, covering the space they inevitably leave behind as they want to be on the ball and create opportunities for their teammates with their passes and carries. And it sure as hell won’t be any better now that Luka is 41 and Kova is 32.

I give Petar Sučić the start alongside Josip Mišić, as we need an eight who can run and distribute the ball and a natural six, who will progress that ball with simple yet effective passes and, in defence, cover the space behind Sučić and the forwards. I also wouldn’t be opposed to Kova and P. Sučić, but ONLY if Petar Sučić plays more reservedly, as much as a six as possible. As we can’t have two eights being advanced and leaving space for our defence to deal with, especially against England’s wingers and midfielders.

As for Modrić, I would introduce him in the second half if we’re struggling to keep the ball when the tempo is down. But if England start turning it into a transition match, Modrić will only suffer if played. Then for the N.10 role, it has to be Baturina to start.

Attack: Wingers, Wingers, Wingers

We finally have two natural wingers in the squad, and it would be a shame not to use both of them, as we’ve severely lacked pace out wide for years now. With Marin Šotiček, we’ll get a left winger who will constantly go at his marker to create a shooting or crossing opportunity. And Marco Pašalić hasn’t been playing regularly at Orlando, but he’s a winger. Nobody else is.

As for the striker, it’s an easy call for me, as Dion Drena Beljo is the only one who’s hot right now and showed against Spain that he can score against anybody. Matanović is right behind him, and Budimir is an option if we have to start lifting balls into the box like Osasuna as we search for a equaliser or maybe a winner late into the game.