• England 2-1 Croatia
• Lingard 78, Kane 85 | Kramaric 57
The delighted din at the final whistle told its own story. England, a team who had been flirting with relegation as this critical contest lurched into its latter stages, have ended a calendar year of resurgence in fitting fashion. That period had already been marked by a World Cup semi-final, a startling success over Spain in Seville, and the progression of young, exciting players into the senior setup, but has now culminated in Nations League success. Gareth Southgate and his players will grace next summer’s inaugural finals. That, in itself, is an achievement.
How Croatia, demoted to Division B in England’s stead, must have shuddered to hear “Three Lions” booming out over the public address system post-match, an anthem which had recently motivated them now crowing out over the Tannoy. The English had dominated this occasion only to trail against the run of play. Even Jesse Lingard’s equaliser had not served to allay their relegation fears, for all that it briefly flared hope in distant Spain. Yet, with five minutes to play, step forward the captain to save the day.
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