Croatia host England in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Croatia return to home soil at the HNK Rijeka Stadium Rujevica for Matchday 3 of their League A campaign in Group A3. Both teams have unfinished business, and this Croatia vs England preview has plenty to talk about. goal
What Is at Stake in Group A3
Both teams are on three points after two games, so the clash could be pivotal in the fight to make the last eight. A win here would give either side real breathing room, while a loss would leave them chasing.
Fresh Memories From the World Cup
The last time these two met, England won a wild one. It was a stirring 4-2 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men in the opening game of their 2026 World Cup campaign. Harry Kane scored twice in that match and will again be central to England’s attacking approach.
Croatia have a long memory of their own, though. Since beating England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, they are winless in their last four meetings with the Three Lions (one draw, three defeats).
England: In Form, Not Perfect
England arrive after a 2-0 win away at Czechia, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane on target. Their opener was a 3-2 Wembley defeat to world champions Spain, which showed that this team can be got at. Kane is also flying, having scored in each of his past five matches for club and country.
On the injury front, Tuchel continues without Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford. The predicted England XI features Pickford in goal, Saka, Bellingham and Gordon behind Kane, and Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Croatia: Danger and Doubts
Slaven Bilic is still settling into his second spell as coach. The attack has quality, but the recent four-goal defeat to Spain points to significant defensive issues.
Still, never write off Luka Modric. The talismanic midfielder is still going strong at 41 years old and should return to the side alongside Mateo Kovacic. Josko Gvardiol will have his hands full against Kane.
Key Battles to Watch
- Harry Kane vs Croatia’s defence: Croatia have to stop the man who punished them in the summer.
- Modric and Kovacic vs England’s midfield: If England’s two-man screen stops Kovacic turning, Croatia have very little else.
- Saka and Gordon vs the Croatian full-backs: England’s wide play is their sharpest weapon.
Prediction and Odds
The numbers favour England. The Opta supercomputer gives them a 48.6 percent win probability. Previews mostly agree: Rotowire and SI both predict a 3-1 England win, with others calling it 3-2. The common thread is that England should have enough attacking depth against a Croatia side that has looked vulnerable in transition.
My own call is a goal-filled game with England edging it, around 3-2. Croatia have the quality to score, but England have too much firepower.
Final Word
This game has a bit of everything: a World Cup rematch, Modric versus a young England midfield, Kane against Gvardiol, and two teams level on points. Come back after the final whistle for our full Croatia vs England match report.
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