England they hope to make it back-to-back wins in the UEFA Nations League when they face old rivals Croatia in Rijeka.
The Three Lions bounced back from an opening-day defeat to world champions Spain with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday to extend their winning streak away from home in the competition to four matches.
Tonight’s clash comes less than four months after England beat Croatia 4-2 in the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Both teams currently have three points in the group after two days of matches. Croatia suffered a heavy defeat against Spain last time out, and head coach Slaven Bilic, back for another spell in charge of the national team, 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 at Croatia’s clash with France last year.
However, 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been able to attend the game and there will also be around 100 English fans who have been able to buy tickets for the game.
News from the Croatia team
The big news from the home side is that 41-year-old captain Luka Modric starts.
Another aging star, 37-year-old Ivan Perisic, who scored the equalizer as Croatia beat England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, is also being named from the outside.
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Stanisic, Vuckovic, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Ivanovic, Sucic, Baturina, Musa
Substitutions: Pandur, Kotarski, Smolcic, Sutalo, Kramaric, Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Jakic, Marco Pasalic, Matanovic, Sucic, Misic
England team news
Thomas Tuchel gives Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott a full debut in the senior competition.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in the Three Lions’ win against the Czech Republic, but he starts from here.
Elsewhere, Jordan Pickford returns in goal, while Jarell Quansah gets ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Anthony Gordon, arguably England’s standout performer this international break, also starts, with Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane rounding out 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
UEFA Nations League table
League A – Group C
-
position 1, 2: Play Offs: Quarter-finals
-
position 3: Relegation Playoffs
-
position 4: Descent
Croatia v England recent form and stats
- England have won 18 of their 24 games under Thomas Tuchel.
- The Three Lions have won their last four away games in the Nations League.
- England ended a six-match clean sheet without a goal 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 matches against teams ranked in FIFA’s top 10.
- Croatia are unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches at home, winning eight.
- England beat Croatia 4-2 when the teams met at the 2026 World Cup.
Where to watch Croatia vs England: TV and online broadcasts
Croatia v England kicks off at 17:00 BST on Saturday 3 October. The match can be seen live in the UK on ITV1, with coverage from 4.15pm. Fans can also stream the game live for free on ITVX. STV and STV Player will provide coverage in Scotland.
Prediction Croatia – England
England looked much more confident in their win against the Czech Republic, but Croatia should provide a tougher test at home.
Bilic’s side have been difficult to beat in competitive matches at home, although their defensive record and recent struggles against high-profile opposition could leave opportunities open for England.