Croatia v England Match Programme || Parker Set For Anchor Role

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CROATIA v ENGLAND - PARKER SET FOR ANCHOR ROLE

Steve McClaren is set to plump for a 3-5-2 formation against Croatia on Wednesday due to the absence of Ledley King and Steven Gerrard.

England travel to Zagreb looking to make amends for Saturday's disappointing goalless draw with Macedonia in Group E.

And coach Steve McClaren is set to ring the changes in a bid to overcome a team that have not lost a competitive match at home for 16 years.

Full-backs Gary Neville and Ashley Cole will be asked to push forward into wing-back roles, with Jamie Carragher joining John Terry and Rio Ferdinand - who has recovered from a back spasm to replace knee injury victim King - in a three-man central defence.

McClaren and Terry Venables pondered using 3-5-2 at Old Trafford before deciding against - but this time they are expected to change the 4-4-2 system due to Gerrard's suspension.

Stewart Downing is expected to drop to the bench, with Scott Parker called up to drop anchor and give Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard freedom to move forward in central midfield.

Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch should once again lead the line, with Jermain Defoe again warming the bench.

England (probable): Robinson; Carragher, Terry, Ferdinand; G Neville, A Cole, Parker, Carrick, Lampard; Rooney, Crouch.

By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.

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