England set up another shot at summer glory as Nations League gamble pays off

Harry Kane ensured a year to cherish would end with a bang as England came from behind against World Cup semi-final foes Croatia to reach the inaugural Nations League Finals.

Just 130 days after breaking English hearts in Moscow, Zlatko Dalic's men looked set to prove the scourge of the Three Lions once more as Andrej Kramaric's deflected effort left them staring down the barrel of relegation.

But a stirring comeback from Gareth Southgate's side brought a memorable year to a fitting conclusion, with substitute Jesse Lingard scoring and clearing off the line before captain Kane secured a late 2-1 win which sees them top Group A4 ahead of Spain.

Baddiel & Skinner's 'Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)' rang around Wembley after a victory that condemned Croatia to relegation - the icing on the cake as England brought down the curtain on a year which saw them re-engage with the public and restore pride.

Jack Rosser analyses the key talking points at Wembley...

Nations League a success

When England hosted Spain here at Wembley for their inaugural Nations League game, everyone headed into the tournament utterly confused and expecting rather little.

The stunning night in Seville last month would have been enough for most Three Lions fans to walk away from this campaign having enjoyed it.

But following three international breaks which have, in previous seasons, simply been lifeless breaks from Premier League football, this tournament has been a success.

It was perhaps a strange feeling for many heading to Wembley on Sunday afternoon with a tangible sense of excitement, something rarely associated with international fixtures here, whether they be friendlies or qualifiers.

The finals in Portugal next summer will not go down well with many club managers, but present another chance for England - and their fans - to continue riding the wave of positivity off the back of the summer.

England finally show some confidence

It was all heading towards the same old story for this England side. The Nations League, of course, can never compare to the World Cup semi-final, but the Three Lions were once more bottling a big game against Croatia, having dominated and wasted chance after chance in the first half.

But what we saw in reaction to that goal did not follow the usual script. Southgate’s side stuck to their plan which, a few rushed efforts aside, had worked perfectly up to that deflected goal - Croatia’s first shot on target.

There were tweaks in the personnel - Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli replacing Fabian Delph and Ross Barkley in midfield - but the system and intentions remained the same. It showed a maturity and confidence in what they are doing that has not been evident from an England side for some time.

Rashford shines after Sancho show

With Jadon Sancho impressing against the United States on Thursday night, there were calls for the 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund star to take Rashford’s place in the front three against the World Cup finalists.

With pressure on the Manchester United forward, he showed he can cause just as much trouble against a far better side. Linking well with Raheem Sterling in the first half, and perhaps denied the chance of opening the scoring when his Manchester City counterpart neglected to square the ball, he was a relentless pain after the break.

With Tin Jedvaj moving to right-back after Sime Vrsaljko was forced off early on, Rashford was getting in between the Leverkusen defender and Dejan Lovren at every chance, resulting in both Jedvaj and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic finding themselves in the book following their efforts to stop his charge.

They looked as if they had made their mark, too, with Rashford heading straight for the changing room with a hobble when replaced by the youngster.

The final touch still needs attention, but after Sancho shone, Rashford left everyone watching with a timely reminder of what he can do.

Chilwell lays down a mark

Thursday night was one to remember for a number of players. There were debuts and farewells, but one man has taken his chance more than any others.

Ben Chilwell made his senior debut when coming on for a cameo appearance against Switzerland at the King Power, but has truly arrived during the November games. Luke Shaw is back in the squad and struggling with a small injury, but Chilwell has ensured that did not show.

Having had Ashley Young and a not-quite-there Danny Rose over the summer, England once more possess a real threat from their full-backs; whether that be Kyle Walker or Kieran Trippier on the other side, and Chilwell has a real shout of being the first choice come March.

Bring on 2019

This time last year, having sealed their place at the World Cup, Southgate’s England were finding their feet in a new three-at-the-back formation, playing out two goalless draws against Brazil and Germany in which the shape worked but little was created.

Just five starters survived from the team which started the semi-final in July, while Croatia named seven. Southgate may have had a few more on if injuries had been more kind, but it remains a clear sign of the progress made.

Having the trust to turn to Sancho is the mark of this squad evolving. Going into the World Cup, there were just a couple of areas to decide on: Jordan Henderson or Eric Dier became a simple nod for the Liverpool captain as the opening game in Russia closed in; that is a far tighter debate once more.

Southgate now has options and, most importantly, competition. Joe Gomez is another who impressed in the absence of Harry Maguire, while Callum Wilson, while not featuring here on Sunday, provides Southgate with yet another approach. Roll on 2019.