BREAKING NEWS

Gdansk, Group C: Croatia v Spain, 0-1

Poznan, Group C: Italy v Republic of Ireland, 2-0

Croatia played lockdown in the hope of hitting Spain on the break. And until the last three minutes of the game, the strategy worked.  Spain had worked hard but the best chance had gone to Croatia.

A Navas goal ensured Spain would go on top with Italy second.

The Spanish were not fluent, and their opponents – that could include England – will take the same approach as Croatia.

Of course, that does not mean that Spain will lose.