SOCCER/England 3 Croatia 1 England began their season in a mood of well-being. With the awkward trip to Macedonia in the Euro 2004 qualifiers just over a fortnight away, they established their sharpness in an open match.
Croatia conceded a silly penalty that David Beckham converted in the 10th minute. It seemed as if the visitors might have been out in the sun for too long, such was the dreamy reaction to Beckham's cross that would not have left Michael Owen with a realistic opportunity. Josip Simunic stretched up an arm and touched the ball. Beckham smashed the penalty in off the inside of the post.
Otto Baric's side made up for any lack of obduracy around their own area with a fluency that saw them construct, and miss, the best chances of the first half. John Terry, making his first start for his country, learned that an England appearance can be an uncomfortable honour.
Sven-Goran Eriksson must have studied Terry with special keenness but here the defender learned the quality of delivery is higher in international football. He was not close enough to Marijo Maric in the 16th minute and a penalty could have been awarded as the forward's free header came back off his arm. After half an hour there was space, too, when another header was put over by Niko Kovac.
Croatia were to come closer still during two incidents in the 37th minute. Maric nodded a Simic cross too close to David James and the West Ham goalkeeper soon had to overcome his own surprise when Beckham left a pass-back short by rushing out to block Ivica Olic's effort. It may have been a comfort for James to know that he would soon enjoy a pre-arranged substitution.
Nicky Butt had to be replaced by Frank Lampard after being injured by Jerko Leko's challenge. England, however, lacked the tight-knit approach required at this level even before he went off.
Emile Heskey, breaking on either side of Croatia's back three, had caused excitement even before Owen flicked a pass through to him in the 43rd minute. The striker struck a strong 20-yarder that was reached by Stipe Pletikosa. None the less, Croatia had settled down to trading blows with England. It was no surprise James had to parry Olic's drive before half-time.
After 51 minutes, Steven Gerrard, who had taken over Butt's holding role, sprayed the ball wide to Beckham. He hit a long, swerving cross that sought Owen. The striker was undisturbed as he headed home.
The crowd were so content that it was soon safe for Eriksson to unleash a horde of substitutes. With only two-thirds of the action completed there were already seven England replacements on the pitch.
The England coach disappointed Eddie Kirkland who had, with friends, placed a bet 11 years ago that will win them £100,000 when his son, Chris, appears for England. The Liverpool goalkeeper stayed on the bench.
Paul Robinson, who took over from James, may not have enjoyed the night. Ivica Mornar thumped the ball past him in the 78th minute but England reacted stylishly. After build-up by Wayne Bridge, Kieron Dyer and James Beattie, Lampard swept a 25-yarder high into the net.
ENGLAND (4-1-2-1-2): James (Robinson, h-t); P Neville (Murphy, 82), Ferdinand (Upson, 60), Terry, A Cole (Bridge, 60); Butt (Lampard, 27); Beckham (Sinclair, 60), Gerrard (Mills, 82); Scholes (J Cole, 60); Heskey (Beattie, 77), Owen (Dyer, 60). Booked: Gerrard.
CROATIA: (3-5-2): Pletikosa (Butina, 69); Tomas, R Kovac, Simunic; Simic (Srna, h-t), Leko, N Kovac, Rapaic (Babic, half-time), Zivkovic; Maric (Mornar, half-time), Olic. Booked: N Kovac.
Referee: C B Larsen (Denmark).
