Gareth Southgate explains why Fabian Delph is the ideal replacement for Jordan Henderson against Croatia
The Liverpool midfielder is carrying an injury and the manager did not want to risk him in this winner takes all Nations League game
Gareth Southgate said the decision to play Fabian Delph against Croatia in place of the injured Jordan Henderson was to provide his side with more balance.
Liverpool midfielder Henderson was expected to start the crucial Nations League match, but was absent from the matchday squad when it was announced ahead of kick-off.
“Jordan has been carrying a bit of an injury," he told Sky Sports. "He got some game time [against USA], but was not fully happy with it.
"He is one of those players who always wants to play and I had to take a decision.
“In these games you have to be clear in your mind and perfectly happy [with your decision].”
And with Luka Modric trying to run things in midfield, the manager believes Delph offers the team the right kind of balance.
“When we’ve played Croatia in the summer, maybe we were a bit open and maybe away in Croatia we had the balance and Delph gives us that balance with [Ross] Barkley on the other side.
“[Delph] is very good at pressing the ball.”
And Southgate recalled his big-hitters for the Wembley match.
Harry Kane returned in attack, supported by Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford - who were also on the bench for Thursday's 3-0 friendly win over the United States.
Jordan Pickford retained his place in goal and Ben Chilwell also kept his spot.
Kyle Walker, Joe Gomez and John Stones came into the hosts' back four, with Barkley and Eric Dier also starting.
England will qualify for the Nations League final with a win - but could be relegated if they lose or if they are held to a score draw by Croatia.
The visitors, who knocked England out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage in the summer, beat Spain 3-2 on Thursday to set up this winner-takes-all encounter.
Fro Croatia, Ivan Rakitic has been replaced by Nikola Vlasic in the visitors' only change.
