England v Croatia: 10 of the best stats

England take on Croatia on Sunday at 14:00 to get Group D underway at Euro 2020 - and here are TEN top statistics to digest prior to the big clash. 

1. England and Croatia have faced off ten times in total - with the Three Lions winning five, drawing two and losing three, including the World Cup 2018 semi-final in Russia when the red-and-whites came from behind to win 2-1.

2. The two countries have only played each other once before in a European Championship, England winning 4-2 with a young Wayne Rooney on target twice in Benfica's Estadio de Luz at Euro 2004.

3. England go into the game having conceded just one goal in their previous six games (Poland's Jakub Moder). 

4. However, England have NEVER won their opening game at a European Championships in nine attempts. 

5. England have only won one of their last five games at a Euros. 

6. Croatia go into the fixture having not won in their last two outings (drawing 1-1 with Armenia and losing 1-0 to Belgium in friendlies).

7. Croatia, meanwhile, have never lost their opening match at a Euros - recording four wins and a draw in their previous five appearances in the competition. 

8. In the last three editions of the European Championships, Croatia have won their opening game: beating Austria 1-0 in 2008; the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in 2012 and Turkey 1-0 in 2016.

9. Frank Lampard is the highest-ever goalscorer in games between England and Croatia with five goals.

10. Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions boss, took part in two European Championships as a player, in 1996 and 2000.

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— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) June 9, 2021