Croatia vs England: Clash of Titans – Who Will Seize Victory in This High-Stakes Showdown?

Preview for Croatia v England

England will look to make it back-to-back UEFA Nations League wins when they travel to Rijeka to face Croatia on Saturday evening.

The two nations meet less than four months after England beat Croatia 4-2 during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

England responded to their opening Nations League defeat against Spain by claiming a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday.

The result also extended England’s winning run away from home in the Nations League to four matches and ended a run of six games without a clean sheet.

Tuchel has now won 18 of his 24 matches as England manager, with two draws and four defeats since taking charge in January 2025.

The German described Tuesday’s display as “very professional” after England negotiated what he considered an “awkward” assignment in Prague.

Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win away against the Czech Republic before suffering a heavy defeat against Spain.

Dion Beljo cancelled out Lamine Yamal’s early opener, but Marc Pubill restored Spain’s advantage just three minutes later before two more goals after the break completed a 4-1 win.

It was Croatia’s first defeat since Slaven Bilic returned as head coach, and the former West Ham boss was critical of his team’s performance afterwards, highlighting a lack of aggression and defensive mistakes.

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Team News for Croatia v England

England will be without Nico O’Reilly after the Manchester City defender withdrew from the squad through injury, meaning Lewis Hall is expected to continue at left-back.

Ezri Konsa was an unused substitute against the Czech Republic and could return to the starting XI, although Trevoh Chalobah will hope to retain his place alongside Marc Guehi.

There will be a change in goal, with Tuchel confirming that Jordan Pickford will start England’s next two matches after James Trafford was selected for the opening two Nations League fixtures.

Jude Bellingham is also pushing for a return to the starting XI, while Alex Scott and James Garner are among the options available to Tuchel in midfield.

Croatia have also had defensive injury problems, with Josip Juranovic among those unavailable.

Luka Vuskovic could be brought into the back line alongside Josko Gvardiol, with Marin Pongracic potentially making way.

Luka Modric is another contender to return to the starting XI after the 41-year-old was rested against Spain, while Martin Baturina could be used either in midfield or further forward.

Expected line-ups for Croatia v England

Croatia: Livakovic; Smolcic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic, P. Sucic; Baturina, Beljo, Marco Pasalic.

England: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Chalobah, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Garner; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.