England are running scared - Croatia

McClaren's unhappy dance: He wont dare change England's formation say Croatia
14 April 2012

Croatia assistant coach Aljosa Asanovic claims England boss Steve McClaren "wouldn't dare" tinker with his formation ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.

McClaren has hinted he will switch from the 4-4-2 which failed to sparkle in the goalless draw against Macedonia on Saturday to a 3-5-2 for the trip to Zagreb.

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But Asanovic, who has experience of playing in England with Derby, believes the visitors will stick with four men across the midfield. He said: "McClaren won't be trying 3-5-2, not against us, he wouldn't dare.

"We respect England but we are not afraid of them. Our team is good and we can do a great job." Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who lists Premiership sides West Ham and Everton as two of his former clubs, played down the lacklustre nature of England's weekend draw, even claiming McClaren's men had played well.

He said: "England were good against a Macedonia side which was fighting hard for a draw. "We will try to win, especially as we have to maintain our record of having never lost a home qualifier.

"We are not interested in their draw against Macedonia, we will just focus on ourselves. "I actually wanted England to beat all the sides (in the group) except us. But that's okay, Russia are down but the Israelis are coming up."

Bilic will again be without Goran Sablic, who missed Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of Andorra through injury.

And he is concerned that may hamper their chances of coping with England's beanpole striker Peter Crouch.

"Goran Sablic is injured again, so he is out, which is a handicap for us," added Bilic.

"In defence, it is important not to allow Crouch to get near the box, to let him collect the ball in the centre.

"Darijo Srna is also injured, it is almost certain he won't appear this Wednesday. We gathered some self-confidence in beating Andorra 7-0 on Saturday but this (facing England) will be something completely different."

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