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MARTIN KEOWN: Romania ran England's back four ragged at times... Croatia will punish errors so a defensive three with four full-backs on the pitch could be the best bet

Unlike France, Germany, Italy and Portugal, Gareth Southgate opted not to use any of the Chelsea or Manchester City players who appeared in last month's Champions League final in either of England's warm-up matches against Austria and Romania. He felt it was more important that they had time to rest.

Even if he was without some of his star names, what Southgate learned from facing Romania was how the back four is not working right now.

England's opponents, who did not even qualify for Euro 2020, created a worrying number of chances and Sam Johnstone was called into making several good saves.