XtraTime Web Desk: Gareth Southgate’s young England put up a dominating performance, yet was held to a goalless draw by World Cup runners-up Croatia in their second UEFA Nations League match on Friday.
UEFA had ordered the game to be played behind closed doors and the lack of supporters, and consequently atmosphere, led to a rather underwhelming spectacle.
England has played 988 matches since international football began in 1872 and this was their first one behind closed doors.
The decision was made by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body in relation to Croatia’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy in June 2015.
It made for a strange night where players’ voices could be heard on TV alongside the chants from a hardy band of England fans who had found their way on to a grassy bank outside the stadium.
It was a game of few chances but the visitors created the best of them.
Eric Dier glanced a header against the far post just before the break and the rebound fell kindly for Croatia to clear.
His Tottenham clubmate Harry Kane followed suit early in the second half when he headed a free-kick against the bar with rookie keeper Dominik Livaković well beaten.
But the clearest opportunities fell to Marcus Rashford. His first chance was created by Kyle Walker’s exquisite cross but the Manchester United youngster mistimed his effort and Livaković gathered with ease.
Rashford was then played into the box by Raheem Sterling and opened his body to shoot, but Livaković got down well to parry the ball away.
After excelling for England at youth level and starring for Borussia Dortmund this season, Jadon Sancho was rewarded with his senior team debut against Croatia.