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. Tonights 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 Croatias 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 To followEngland team news Thomas Tuchel hands a full senior 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 Englands 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; KaneThe UEFA Nations League Table UEFA Nations League 2026 World League A Group C #TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGAGDPtsLast 2 1 Spain22007346 W W 2 England21014313 W L 3 Croatia210135-23 L W 4 Czechia200214-30 L L Position 1, 2 : Play Offs: Quarter-finals Position 3 : Relegation Playoffs Position 4 : Relegation Recent Form & Stats for Croatia v EnglandEngland 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 FIFAs 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. Recent Results : Croatia UEFA Nations League Spain ESP L 4 1 2026-09-29 Croatia CRO UEFA Nations League Czechia CZE W 1 2 2026-09-26 Croatia CRO World Cup Portugal POR L 2 1 2026-07-03 Croatia CRO World Cup Croatia CRO W 2 1 2026-06-27 Ghana GHA World Cup Panama PAN W 0 1 2026-06-24 Croatia CRO Recent Results : England UEFA Nations League Czechia CZE W 0 2 2026-09-29 England ENG UEFA Nations League England ENG L 2 3 2026-09-26 Spain ESP World Cup England ENG L 1 2 2026-07-15 Argentina ARG World Cup Mexico MEX W 2 3 2026-07-06 England ENG World Cup England ENG W 2 1 2026-07-01 Congo DR CGO Where to Watch Croatia v England: TV and online streamsCroatia 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 EnglandEngland looked much more assured in their win over the Czech Republic, but Croatia should provide a tougher test on home soil.Bilics 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. Match PredictionCroatia 1 2 England Topics Croatia National Football Team England National Football Team UEFA Nations League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Mancini hails Italy step forward after draw with France Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 Zidane touched by Stade de France ovation but disappointed after Les Bleus draw with Italy Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 UEFA Nations League: De Bruyne at the double for Belgium as Lewandowski scores treble and Dzeko bows out Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 France 1-1 Italy: Zidanes 10 men endure frustrating homecoming as Azzurri claim point Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 France v Italy: Confirmed line-ups for Zidanes first home game Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 I think Im getting better: Pickford issues warning to Trafford as battle for England No.1 shirt intensifies Jon Fisher 2nd October, 2026
