Croatia snub for Lovren

Liverpool centre-half Dejan Lovren has been left out of Croatia’s Euro 2016 squad after a fall-out with boss Ante Cacic.

Lovren and the coach first clashed in March during a friendly when the Liverpool defender was an unused substitute, before he reportedly sought assurances he would be a regular starter.

Cacic only replaced Niko Kovac for Croatia’s final two Euro 2016 qualifiers, but he has taken a bold move early in his stint in charge by dropping Lovren.

The 62-year-old says he could call on Lovren in the future although it remains to be seen as to whether the Reds defender will consider playing under Cacic going forward. “I haven’t closed the door on Lovren for good,” said Cacic.

“He can return one day if he realises that he has to be a team player. “When it dawns on him that he can’t look down on his team-mates, the staff and the coach, he will perhaps find a way to get back in.”

Cacic has included highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ante Coric, 19, in his provisional party. Coric is uncapped at senior level, but has already managed over 50 appearances for his club and has been linked with a switch to Manchester City in recent months.

Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic and Barcelona man Ivan Rakitic have all been included in the Croatia squad, but Cacic does have to cut four further players by the May 31 deadline.

Croatia have been drawn in Group D alongside two-time defending champions Spain, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Croatia are 4.00 to top Group D and 29.00 to win Euro 2016 outright.