Croatia vs England Preview
Croatia have struggled to compete with the higher-ranked nations recently. England have a top away record under Thomas Tuchel and can keep winning in Rijeka.
England on an 8 Match Winning Streak
- Croatia have lost 2 of their last 3 games.
- Croatia have lost 3 consecutive matches against England.
- England have won their last 8 away games.
H2H - Three Lions on Top
England have a 7-3 advantage against Croatia, alongside two draws.
Croatia Lose Against Quality Opponents
Croatia are in inconsistent form and have lost five of their previous nine matches in all competitions. All five losses have come against higher-ranked sides.
The Blazers saw recent defeats against England 4-2 and Portugal 2-1 at the 2026 World Cup. They allowed over 2 XG in those two losses.
Slaven Bilic was named as the new manager ahead of the Nations League and led Croatia to a 2-1 victory in the Czech Republic.
Bilic’s side couldn’t maintain momentum and lost 4-1 against Spain. Croatia faced seven shots on target, allowed 1.81 XG and Dion Beljo scored a consolation goal.
England Travel Well Under Tuchel
England have a strong recent away record against European sides. The Three Lions have won eight consecutive games on the road, scoring 23 and conceding once.
Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, winning four games. They were eliminated in the final four against Argentina after a 2-1 defeat.
The Three Lions began the Nations League with a 3-2 home loss to Spain. England led 2-1 at half time at Wembley before conceding two late goals.
Tuchel’s outfit hit back and extended their winning streak away with a comfortable 2-0 triumph in the Czech Republic. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored and England had 1.48-0.32 XG.
Predicted Starting Lineups, Squads & Team News
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Ivan Smolcic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Joskov Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Ivan Perisic; Dion Beljo
Defenders Martin Erlic and Josip Juranovic missed the September internationals due to injuries.
Full-back Josip Stanisic was unavailable for the Spain match following illness and could return to the squad.
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Luka Vuskovic, Ivan Smolcic
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Josip Misic
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Beljo
England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall; Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane
Nico O’Reilly missed the Czech Republic match due to injury. Thomas Tuchel was unsure about the defender’s fitness and said, “It was because of minor issues. But there are still issues.”
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Jason Steele
Defenders: Marc Guehi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Hall, Trevoh Chalobah, Jarrad Branthwaite
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Morgan Gibbs-White, James Garner, Alex Scott
Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Rio Ngumoha