Croatia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
6pm, Wednesday 11 October 2006
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
Croatia 2-0 England Archive Details - Click Here

Croatia captain Niko Kovac is backing England to reach the Euro 2008 finals alongside his own team.

The Croatians are currently joinh top of Group E following their 2-0 victory over the Three Lions in midweek and there is strong competition from Israel, Russia and Macedonia.

But Kovac believes Steve McClaren's men will join him in Austria & Switzerland in two years' time.

He said: "I think we were the better team on the night but I said to Rio Ferdinand at the end, England and Croatia will be in the finals.

"England can come back from this. They have so many good players. When they are at home, they are a strong team.

"This is a big victory for Croatia. England is one of the leading countries in the world so it is a great victory for us and we can be very proud."

Kovac believes Croatia's victory will send shockwaves through the rest of the group and leave other opponents more wary of travelling to Zagreb.

He said: "We wanted the victory. We were hungry but maybe England were just here to get a draw because we play them in the final game of the group away and they thought 'draw this one and then beat them at home.'

"But for us to win against such opponents like England is good for us. If other teams come here after we have beaten England they will say 'be careful' and it is easier to play after this match."

Kovac also had words of comfort for England, insisting they only lost to a top class side.

He said: "We are a good team, especially at home. Maybe we are not as good as England. England have beaten us three times in a row, twice in England and once in Portugal, but this is another situation at our place. We are very happy but as I say, I think England and Croatia will be in the finals. I am sure of it."