Scott Parker was handed his first start for England as manager Steve McClaren reverted to a 3-5-2 formation for the European Championship qualifier with Croatia in Zagreb.
The Newcastle captain, who replaced the suspended Steven Gerrard, made his last appearance for his country as a substitute against Sweden in Gothenburg two and a half years ago.
Parker was expected to line up alongside Michael Carrick to allow Frank Lampard licence to roam forward.
Jamie Carragher was brought back into the starting XI alongside fit-again Rio Ferdinand and skipper John Terry for the first time since the World Cup encounter with Sweden in the summer.
England had history steeped against them with Croatia unbeaten at home in competitive matches in 16 years since gaining their independence.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Simic, Simunic, Robert Kovac, Corluka, Rapaic, Nico Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar, Klasnic, Petric. Subs: Runje, Babic, Balaban, Knezevic, Leko, Seric.
England: Robinson, Carragher, Ferdinand, Terry, Gary Neville, Carrick, Parker, Lampard, Cole, Rooney, Crouch. Subs: Phil Neville, Kirkland, Richardson, Jenas, Wright-Phillips, Defoe, Bent.
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