England return to Wembley tonight knowing that one point against Croatia will be enough to reserve their place in the quarter-finals of the League of Nations.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have recovered well from their first defeat against Spain, winning three consecutive games to finish second in Group A3, three points behind the European champions.
The Three Lions thrashed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka last month before beating the Czech Republic 3-0 at Wembley, putting themselves in a good position ahead of the final two group games.
England face Spain in Madrid on Sunday, meaning a win tonight would keep alive their hopes of finishing top of the group.
Captain Harry Kane is also about to make history. The forward will become England’s most capped male player if he features, surpassing Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances.
Slaven Bilic’s side have endured a difficult Nations League campaign, losing three of their first four matches, including two defeats against Spain.
The visitors will be hoping for a much-improved performance at Wembley, where they beat England 3-2 in November 2007 to end the Three Lions’ hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.
Tuchel has several defensive concerns heading into the game, with Marc Guehi ruled out through injury and both Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence unavailable.
Dan Burn and James Hill have been called up to the squad, while Jobe Bellingham and Josh King are also expected to make their England debuts.
101GreatGoals brings you all the team news ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off.
England team news
England: Pickford, Trent, Hall, Rice, Burn, Quansah, Anderson, Kane, Bellingham, Gordon, Rogers
England Subs: Gibbs-White, White, Trafford, Hill, Branthwaite, Jobe, Garner, Calvert-Lewin, Rio, Eze, King, Steele
News from the Croatia team
Croatia: Livakovic, Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Smolcic, Misic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina, Matanovic
Croatia Subs: Pandur, Caleta-Car, Gelesic, Major, Beljo, Modric, Budimir, Pasalic, Marco, Soticek
England-Croatia statistics
- England have won their last three Nations League games after losing their opener against Spain.
- The Three Lions beat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka last month, inflicting the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history.
- England have won their last four meetings with Croatia, equaling the total of their previous nine meetings.
- Harry Kane will become England’s most capped male player if he features, surpassing Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances.
- Kane has scored 91 international goals, including 13 in 2026.
- Croatia have won just once in five previous away games against England, drawing one and losing three.
- England have won eight of their previous 13 meetings with Croatia, drawing two and losing three.
Where to watch England-Croatia
England v Croatia kicks off at 7.45pm GMT on Thursday 12 November at Wembley Stadium in London.
The match can be seen live and live in the UK on ITV1 and STV, with coverage from 7pm.
Supporters can also stream the game via ITVX or STV Player.
