It wasn't the most thrilling game, but I think Southgate deserves credit for doing what he needed to to get 3 points out of a really tough opening game. Sure, Croatia aren't quite the same team as the one that went to the WC final in 2018 (mainly due to age and the loss of Mandzukic), but Modric is still a real baller, and their 11 included Vrsaljko, a La Liga winner with Atletico, Brozovic and Perisic, Serie A winners with Inter, and Kovacic, Champions League winner with Chelsea, so they're by no means a slouch side. They had a slow opening 15 where we looked dangerous, but even after that we controlled the game.
I was disappointed with the starting 11, I thought Grealish had done enough to earn a start, and thought 2 CDMs and a RB in LB over Shaw and Chilwell was setting up quite negatively - but I actually now think Southgate nailed it. Enough to neutralise the most dangerous Croatians, whilst also having just enough going forward to sneak the win. I'd like to hope in the other group games we'll go much more on the front foot, Scotland and Czech Republic are not even close to the quality of Croatia. Bang in a bunch of goals against both, get that confidence up ready for the big test against one of the group of death.
I must admit, I enjoyed the game more than I thought I would. Been spoiled with being able to watch every OUFC game on iFollow this year so I missed my weekly/bi-weekly football matched.