FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFIER: CROATIA vs ENGLAND

TEAM NEWS

Croatia

Portsmouth winger Niko Kranjcar has undergone surgery following the rupturing of his ankle ligaments while on international duty against Slovenia.

Eduardo Da Silva is still recovering from his horrific leg-break.

Mladen Petric, recently signed by Hamburg, managed a goal coming off the bench against Kazakhstan, and could be set to start.

Two names who wont be though are Igor Budan and Mario Galinovic.

England

Steven Gerrard has ruled out of both international games: Andorra and Croatia, after undergoing a double groin operation.

Rio Ferdinand is back to full fitness following a problematic back complaint.

Joe Cole, fresh from his bench role on Saturday and scorer of both England goals will displace Stewart Downing.

Theo Walcott likely be used as a super-substitute while David Beckham's experience will be seen as pivotal in the opening stages of the game.


TAK GIU BERN's predict: 0-0 (HT)

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