Don't underestimate Croatia, recalls ex-England star Walker

Former England defender Kyle Walker has urged his compatriots not to underestimate Croatia ahead of their opening World Cup match, drawing on painful memories of past encounters. Walker, a veteran of numerous international campaigns, emphasized Croatia's resilience and capability for significant upsets.

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I would never underestimate them. I remember the defeat against them in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and they have a better team than the one we beat at Euro 2021.

"I would never underestimate them," Walker wrote in a column for The Sun. He specifically recalled England's defeat in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, a match that still resonates. Walker believes the current Croatian squad is even stronger than the one England faced in the Euro 2021 tournament, noting the integration of promising young talent alongside experienced players.

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They have also proven capable of major upsets in World Cups, knocking out Brazil in the quarterfinals in 2022.

Walker pointed to Croatia's impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they eliminated Brazil in the quarterfinals, as further evidence of their tournament pedigree. "They have also proven capable of major upsets in World Cups," he added, underscoring the threat they pose to any opponent.

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There will be some nervousness among the English players before that first match, but that is natural. It's always the same when you finish preparations and the big test is at the door. You just want the match to start.

Reflecting on the psychological aspect of major tournaments, Walker acknowledged that some pre-match nerves among England players are natural. He stressed the importance of team cohesion and mutual trust, hoping the current squad possesses the same strong bond that characterized his own international career. "I hope they have developed that and that we will all celebrate together in the end," he concluded.

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When I played for England, I believed in the players around me and I like to think they believed in me. Our togetherness was very important. I hope they have developed that and that we will all celebrate together in the end.