**James Garner had a goal ruled out as England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.**
The [Everton](https://readeverton.com/) midfielder came off the bench in the second half and thought he had scored his first senior international goal, only for an offside decision to deny him. Jordan Pickford played the full match, winning his 94th England cap, while fellow Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was an unused substitute.
Garner replaced Declan Rice in the 77th minute, with England leading 2-1. He subsequently found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR check for offside in the build-up.
Pickford had made routine saves from Mateo Kovacic and Martin Baturina during the first half as England took control but was beaten in the 59th minute when Petar Sucic reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring after 24 minutes, finishing from close range following a move involving Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Croatia equalised through Sucic, but England regained the lead five minutes later when Kane converted a penalty after Jarell Quansah was fouled.
Kane was making his 126th appearance, surpassing Peter Shilton’s England men’s record. Croatia threatened again late on, but Pickford and the England defence held firm to secure victory.
Branthwaite will hope to feature when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Spain in Madrid on Sunday. The match will determine which nation finishes top of Nations League Group A3, with both already through to the quarter-finals.
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