Perisic blames fatigue for poor Nations League start

Croatia had not scored in the Nations League until Thursday's remarkable 3-2 win over Spain, who had thrashed them 6-0 in their opening match. 

Perisic, one of the standout performers for Croatia at the World Cup and the scorer of the equaliser in the semi-final win over England, said it had taken a while for him and his team-mates to get over their herculean efforts in Russia which ended with a 4-2 defeat to France in the final.

"Maybe it was too soon after the World Cup," said Perisic.

"That's why there was a little bit of a comedown.

"Tomorrow we will play how we know we can play. We will be very focused on the next Euro qualifiers but tomorrow against England we will try to play like we did against Spain."

Midfielder Perisic, a target for Manchester United a few years ago, said it was in neither side's interests to settle for a draw on Sunday.

"Of course both teams need to win tomorrow," said the 29-year-old Inter Milan star.

"If not, Spain go through. If in the last 10 minutes it's still a draw both teams will try to win the match.

"It's difficult to say who is the favourite team. If we play our best like we did against Spain I think we can win the match."