England open their European Championship campaign with a Group D clash against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.

The Three Lions will be looking for revenge after being beaten in the 2018 World Cup semi-final by Croatia.

Ahead of the game, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the key talking points.

Past meetings

Gareth Southgate's England were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup by Croatia.
Gareth Southgate’s England were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup by Croatia (Adam Davy/PA)

Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick had Gareth Southgate’s side ahead only for Ivan Perisic to equalise and Mario Mandzukic to send Croatia through to the final.

Since then, the teams have clashed in the Nations League – a 0-0 draw behind closed doors in Rijeka followed up by Jesse Lingard and Harry Kane scoring late goals in a 2-1 Wembley win to send England into the inaugural finals.

Jeers for the knee?

England players continue to take the knee before matches.
England players continue to take the knee before matches (Lee Smith/PA)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for supporters not to jeer the anti-racism gesture ahead of Sunday’s game.

That plea is likely to fall on deaf ears, although Southgate has said his players will continue to defy the boos to make the stance.

Shape of things to come

Concerns over the fitness of Harry Maguire have led to conversations about how England will set up at the back.
Concerns over the fitness of Harry Maguire have led to conversations about how England will set up at the back (Andy Rain/PA)

The run to the final four in Russia was also built on a central defensive trio and it remains to be seen how Southgate will deploy his troops against Croatia.

The fitness of Harry Maguire may figure into Southgate’s thinking, with the Manchester United captain back in training following an ankle injury.

Forward thinking

The likes of Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho are battling it out to start England's opening fixture.
The likes of Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho are battling it out to start England’s opening fixture (Steven Paston/PA)

While captain Harry Kane is a guaranteed starter, behind him England are blessed with some fine options.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are all in contention to start – but a handful are destined to be disappointed.

Hey Jude

Jude Bellingham became England's third-youngest senior international when he made his debut last year.
Jude Bellingham became England’s third-youngest senior international when he made his debut last year (Nick Potts/PA)

Declan Rice is expected to start with Kalvin Phillips also in contention – but the form of 17-year-old Jude Bellingham will not have been overlooked by the England coaching staff.

The Borussia Dortmund teenager enjoyed a fine season in Germany and was named the Bundesliga’s newcomer of the year and Southgate would be making something of a statement by selecting the former Birmingham man.

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