Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić says he already knows the team he will field against England after the national team completed their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Slovenia in Varaždin.
While pleased with the result, Dalić admitted Croatia must improve defensively after allowing Slovenia several opportunities during the match.
Looking ahead to Croatia’s opening World Cup fixture against England on June 17, the coach said he would remain faithful to the principles that have helped Croatia win three major tournament medals.
“I know my starting eleven,” Dalić told reporters. “I trust my work and the ideas that have brought us success.”
The coach also dismissed concerns over the fitness of striker Andrej Kramarić, insisting the forward has trained fully throughout the preparations and has not complained about any injury issues.
Dalić highlighted the need for greater speed, energy and aggression as Croatia prepares for a challenging group stage, while praising Marco Pašalić for his impressive pace.
Croatia open their World Cup campaign against England on June 17, with Dalić confident his squad is ready for the challenge ahead.
@hns.family ???????????????????? #HNSfamily #Vatreni #FIFAWorldCup ♬ original sound – hns.family