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Last Updated: Monday, 9 October 2006, 14:03 GMT 15:03 UK
Croatia expect same-again England
Croatia
Croatia celebrate during their 7-0 victory against Andorra
Croatia assistant coach Aljosa Asanovic believes England boss Steve McClaren will not risk altering his formation for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.

McClaren has hinted he will switch from the 4-4-2 formation that was unsuccessful against Macedonia.

Ex-Derby player Asanovic said: "The England boss won't try 3-5-2, not against us, he wouldn't dare. We respect England but we are not afraid.

"Our team is good and we can do a great job against England."

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic added: "England were good against a Macedonia side that was fighting hard for a draw.

"We will try to win, especially as we have to maintain our record of having never lost a home qualifier.

We gathered some self-confidence in beating Andorra 7-0 on Saturday but facing England will be something completely different

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic

"We are not interested in their draw against Macedonia, we will just focus on ourselves.

"I actually wanted England to beat all the sides in the group except us."

Bilic will again be without Goran Sablic, who missed Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of Andorra through injury.

The Croatia boss believes the defender's absence may hamper their chances of coping with England striker Peter Crouch.

"Sablic is injured again, so he is out, which is a handicap for us," stated Bilic.

"In defence, it is important not to allow Crouch to get near the box, to let him collect the ball in the centre.

"Darijo Srna is also injured, it is almost certain he won't appear this Wednesday.

"We gathered some self-confidence in beating Andorra 7-0 on Saturday but facing England will be something completely different."

SEE ALSO
Bilic defends Lampard over form
09 Oct 06 |  Football
Ferdinand hoping to face Croatia
08 Oct 06 |  Internationals
McClaren in need of fresh ideas
08 Oct 06 |  Internationals
Gerrard critical of yellow card
08 Oct 06 |  Football
McClaren bemoans lack of quality
07 Oct 06 |  Internationals
England 0-0 Macedonia
07 Oct 06 |  Internationals
Pick your England team
09 Oct 06 |  Internationals


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