England eager to break Croatia run

By Igor Ilic

ZAGREB (Reuters) - England hope to put behind their gloomy recent experiences against Croatia when they travel to Zagreb on Wednesday for an early key World Cup qualifier.

Croatia beat England twice in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, costing them a place in June's finals in Switzerland and Austria and coach Steve McLaren his job.

"We owe them one," England skipper John Terry, who expects to be rejoined in the centre of defence by Rio Ferdinand, told reporters after his side's laboured 2-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday.

"But this is a fresh campaign, a fresh start," he added. "Even though losing (in Zagreb) two years ago is at the back of the players' minds, we are not seeking revenge but three points."

"It will be two massive wins in the group and that is what we're aiming to do."

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic, whose side cruised to a 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their opening Group Six match, said the two sides are now even better equipped than in the previous campaign.

"I expect a better England team, but we are also in better shape. England did not excel against Andorra but they have great individuals who can turn any match in their favour.

"I believe details will decide again. Both sides know everything about each other," Bilic, a reported target for the managerial vacancy at former club West Ham United, said.