JuicyTalk
England are hoping to make it back-to-back wins in the UEFA Nations League when they take on old rivals Croatia in Rijeka.
The Three Lions bounced back from an opening day defeat to world champions Spain with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday to extend their winning run away from home in the competition to four matches.
Tonight’s clash comes less than four months after England beat Croatia 4-2 during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Both sides currently have three points in the group after two rounds of fixtures. Croatia suffered a heavy loss to Spain last time out, and head coach Slaven Bilic – back for another stint as national team boss – will be hoping for a positive response from his players.
This match is being played behind closed doors after UEFA ordered the match to have a reduced capacity following crowd disturbances in Croatia’s clash against France last year.
However, 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been allowed to attend the match and there will also be around 100 England fans who have been able to purchase tickets for the game.
Croatia team news
The big news from the hosts’ camp is that 41-year-old captain Luka Modric starts.
Another ageing star, 37-year-old Ivan Perisic – who scored the equaliser when Croatia beat England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final – is also named from the off.
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Stanisic, Vuckovic, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Ivanovic, Sucic, Baturina, Musa
Subs: Pandur, Kotarski, Smolcic, Sutalo, Kramaric, Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Jakic, Marco Pasalic, Matanovic, Sucic, Misic
England team news
Thomas Tuchel hands a full senior competitive debut to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in the Three Lions’ win over the Czech Republic, but starts from the off here.
Elsewhere, Jordan Pickford returns in goal, while Jarell Quansah comes in ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Anthony Gordon, arguably England’s standout performer during this international break, also starts, with Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane completely the three-pronged attack.
England XI: Pickford, Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Hall, Anderson, Scott, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane
Subs: Alexander-Arnold, Chalobah, Trafford, Ngumoha, Branthwaite, Lewis-Skelly, Rogers, Garner, Calvert-Lewin, Gibbs-White, Eze, Steele
The UEFA Nations League Table
League A – Group C
- Position 1, 2 : Play Offs: Quarter-finals
- Position 3 : Relegation Playoffs
- Position 4 : Relegation
Recent Form & Stats for Croatia v England
- England have won 18 of their 24 matches under Thomas Tuchel.
- The Three Lions have won their last four Nations League away matches.
- England ended a six-game run without a clean sheet by beating the Czech Republic 2-0.
- England have won three of their last five meetings with Croatia, drawing one and losing one.
- Croatia have conceded in 11 of their last 12 international matches.
- Croatia have lost their last six games against teams ranked inside FIFA’s top 10.
- Croatia are unbeaten in their last nine competitive home matches, winning eight.
- England beat Croatia 4-2 when the teams met at the 2026 World Cup.
Where to Watch Croatia v England: TV and online streams
Croatia v England kicks off at 5:00pm BST on Saturday, October 3. The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4:15pm. Supporters can also stream the game live for free on ITVX. STV and the STV Player will provide coverage in Scotland.
Prediction for Croatia v England
England looked much more assured in their win over the Czech Republic, but Croatia should provide a tougher test on home soil.
Bilic’s side have been difficult to beat in competitive matches at home, although their defensive record and recent struggles against highly-ranked opposition could leave opportunities for England.
