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England 'put right' World Cup defeat with win over Croatia, says Fabian Delph

Fabian Delph insists revenge wasn't on the England players' minds when they beat Croatia on Sunday, but admitted the team were keen to make up for their elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Zlatko Dalic's side.

Harry Kane's 85th-minute goal secured a comeback 2-1 win for Gareth Southgate’s side at Wembley - a result that booked England’s place in the Uefa Nations League semi-finals, which will be held in Portugal next year.

Croatia knocked England out of the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 comeback victory of their own in Moscow in July before the two sides played out a goalless draw in the first of their Nations League encounters last month.

Delph did not play in either of those two games, although he was part of Southgate's squad in Russia, but admitted beating Croatia at Wembley on Sunday went some way for making up for the manner of England's World Cup exit.

"I wouldn't go as strong as calling it revenge but, obviously, when you lose to a team you have one eye on that team and you hope you can play them again. We managed to put that right," the 28-year-old told Standard Sport.

"It was electric, as you can imagine, especially going a goal behind and managing to win the game. It was an amazing match and an amazing team performance. The dressing room is bouncing."

There had been some initial criticism about whether supporters would take to Uefa's Nations League tournament, but Delph said he enjoyed the competitiveness that it gave to games - and admitted it was one the England players are now aiming to win.

"The fans were amazing today - that's the loudest I've heard the fans from playing at Wembley," he said.

Delph impressed in a central midfield role for England
Delph impressed in a central midfield role for England

"The stadium seemed really full and they were right behind us. It gave us that extra push.

"As far as the tournament, it's a great tournament to be in and one that we're looking to win."

Delph started both of England's games during this international break, which kicked off with a 3-0 friendly win over the USA, and added: "It feels amazing [to play] in this team.

"They're a young group of players and I'm one of the oldest in the team now so it's great for me to see them developing so well.And hopefully in the future they can keep going forward."