Steve McClaren is keeping tight-lipped about his final line-up as he prepares for Wednesday’s game against Croatia as his team could either top the group or be knocked out of the competition.

He has publicly failed to back goalkeeper Paul Robinson, prompting suggestions that Scott Carson will win his second cap after having a quiet game against Austria. England also have their defensive pairing of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand missing through injury, with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen also both out. Owen Hargreaves is vying for a return to an expected five-man midfield, while Peter Crouch is likely to play up front on his own.

After slumping to a surprise defeat against Macedonia at the weekend, Croatia can come to Wembley with the sound knowledge that whatever happens, they’ve already qualified. But in a surprise twist of fate, they know that if they lose by two goals, England will somehow end top of the group.

In contrast to England’s lengthy injury list, Croatia have no such worries as they look to repeat the victory they recorded against their opponents 13 months ago and ensure they top the group – a result which could also see the hosts eliminated.

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