Croatia vs England Preview: Can Boring England Find a Spark In This Break?

Can England Go Back-to Back in the Nations League?

England face their third test of the new UEFA Nations League campaign on Saturday as they travel to Rjecka to take on Croatia, in a replay of the two sides' matchup in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel's side have endured mixed fortunes in their opening two games of the current international break, suffering a defeat to the reigning European and World Champions Spain at Wembley in the first match, falling to a 2-3 loss despite goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Before, those two were once again the scorers for England in midweek, as the Three Lions overcame Czech Republic 0-2 in Prague in a low-key, yet professional encounter.

Trent’s delivery 🤝 Gordon’s finish pic.twitter.com/ISWwsfQhyi

— England (@England) September 30, 2026

Saturday's match will be the fifth meeting between England and Croatia since 2018, where the two met in the semi-final of the Russia World Cup, where after Kieran Trippier's stunning free-kick opened the scoring in the first half, the Croatians, led by the tournament's Golden Ball winner Luka Modric, turned the match around with a winner from Mario Mandžukić in extra-time to send Croatia to the World Cup final for the first time in their history.

Since then, the two have met twice in the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League, as well as in UEFA EURO 2020 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with England winning three times, with the other being a 0-0 draw and with the 2018 World Cup victory being Croatia 's only win over England as an independent nation.

Opponent Overview

Just like England, Croatia have also collected one win and one loss from their opening two games from the new UEFA Nations League campaign.

Manager Slaven Bilić, formally of West Ham in the Premier League, returned to manage his country's national team following their Round of 32 exit at the 2026 World Cup - Bilić led Croatia to the quarter-final stage of EURO 2008, and is set to lead them at the upcoming European Championships in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Despite being 41 years of age, midfielder and captain Luka Modric is still the star of the Croatian naional team. The 2018 Ballon D'Or winner starred for AC Milan in his first season at the club, and signed an extension for one more season at San Siro during the summer.

Alongside Modric, Croatia's team has a strong blend of experienced class and new emerging stars, with the Milan midfielder joined by fellow veterins Ivan Perišić and Mateo Kovačić alongside younger talent such as Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vušković and Martin Baturina.

The match on Saturday will take place in the Croatian city of Rijeka, a port city on Kvarner Bay on the Western coast of the country, with the HNK Rijeka stadium representing a humble venue, with the capacity of the stadium being just 8,000.

Croatia beat Czech Republic 1-2 away from home before seeing themselves comfortably beaten by Spain 4-1 in Seville.

What Could The XI's Look Like?

Thomas Tuchel could be set to make a number of changes from the side that beat Czechia on Tuesday night.

James Trafford again started in between the sticks, however Jordan Pickford could be set for a return to the starting XI with Tuchel previously stating Trafford was to start the opening two matches of the UEFA Nations League group.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was preferred at right-back and impressed, assisting Gordon's opener and he could earn a second consecutive start in Croatia as a result.

Getting the job done against Czechia ✅ pic.twitter.com/uc4RjBFG5m

— England (@England) September 30, 2026

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested alongside Ezri Konsa, as Tuchel returns to a side more towards the side that were narrowly beaten at home to Spain during the first match.

For Croatia, Modric is expected to return to the midfield from the start after starting the match vs Spain from the bench, with the captain set to be joined once more by teenage defender Vušković, who has impressed at Brighton & Hove Albion following a strong season on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Croatia Predicted XI: Likakovic (GK), Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic, Sucic, Perisic, Budimir

England Predicted XI: Pickford (GK), Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi, Hall, Anderson, Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane

How To Watch Croatia vs England?

The match will be shown live to all viewers in the UK on ITV1.

Match Details

• Saturday 3rd October

• UEFA Nations League A Group 3 Round 3

• HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica, Rijeka

• Kick-off: 17:00pm BST