Croatia vs England Match Preview, Lineups and Streaming Details

Croatia host England in a crucial UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Group A3 clash on Saturday, October 3, at Stadion HNK Rijeka. The match kicks off at 11:00 PM Pakistan time.

Both teams have three points after two matches. Croatia opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia before losing 4-1 to Spain, while England suffered a 3-2 defeat against Spain before responding with a 2-0 victory over Czechia. Spain currently lead the group with six points.

Croatia vs England Preview

Croatia face a crucial test after opening with a 2-1 win over Czechia before falling 4-1 to Spain in Seville. Another defeat could leave them six points behind Spain with three league-phase games left.

England also have three points after losing 3-2 to Spain before responding with a 2-0 win over Czechia. Saturday’s clash in Rijeka is important for both sides, with the winner moving to six points.

Croatia will rely on the experience of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić in midfield, while England have plenty of attacking quality through Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.

The match also comes months after England beat Croatia 4-2 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding extra context to the latest meeting.

Croatia vs England Head-to-Head

England have the stronger overall record in the fixture, according to UEFA's head-to-head record. Croatia have won three meetings, England six, while two matches have ended in draws. England have also scored 22 goals to Croatia's 13 across those meetings.

Their most recent meeting came at the 2026 World Cup in June, when England recorded a 4-2 victory. Earlier meetings include Croatia's famous 2-1 extra-time win over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and a 0-0 Nations League draw in Rijeka later that year.

Key Match Details

Detail	Information
Match	Croatia vs England
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026-27
League	League A
Group	Group A3
Matchday	3 of 6
Date	Saturday, October 3, 2026
Kick-off	11:00 PM Pakistan time
Venue	Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka
Croatia Coach	Slaven Bilić
England Coach	Thomas Tuchel

Croatia Predicted XI

Croatia's exact starting XI has not been officially confirmed. Current team-news reports expect Luka Modrić and Martin Baturina to be available after missing the Spain game, while Josip Juranović and Martin Erlić remain unavailable.

Predicted formation: 3-5-2

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Livaković
• Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Luka Vušković, Josip Šutalo
• Midfielders: Josip Stanišić, Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić, Ivan Perišić
• Forwards: Martin Baturina, Bruno Petković

England Predicted XI

England are also dealing with several squad changes. Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have withdrawn through injury, while Nico O'Reilly has also left the squad after suffering an injury.

Lewis Hall impressed during the 2-0 win over Czechia and is expected to continue at left-back. Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, made a substitute appearance in Prague after recovering from a minor issue and could return to the starting XI.

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

• Goalkeeper: James Trafford
• Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly
• Attacking midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon
• Forward: Harry Kane

Croatia vs England Key Player Battles

Harry Kane vs Croatia Defence

Kane remains England's main attacking reference point. He scored twice in England's 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in June and will again be central to England's attacking approach.

Croatia will need to limit his space around the penalty area while also dealing with England's wide attackers.

Luka Modrić vs England Midfield

If Modrić starts, Croatia will have one of their most experienced players available to dictate the tempo. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and move possession forward could be important against England's midfield.

Bukayo Saka vs Croatia's Left Side

Saka gives England a direct threat from the right. Croatia's defensive structure will need to prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous positions and attacking the space behind the full-back.

Mateo Kovačić vs England's Midfield

Kovačić can carry the ball through midfield and help Croatia escape England's pressure. His battle with England's central midfielders could have a major impact on which team controls possession.

Croatia vs England Nations League Standings

After two matchdays, Spain are top of Group A3 with six points. England and Croatia both have three points, while Czechia remain without a point.

Rank	Team	Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
1	Spain	2	2	0	0	6
2	England	2	1	0	1	3
3	Croatia	2	1	0	1	3
4	Czechia	2	0	0	2	0

Watch Croatia vs England Live on tapmad

Football fans in Pakistan can watch Croatia vs England live on tapmad as the two sides meet in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 on Saturday, October 3. The match starts at 11:00 PM Pakistan time. 

One unusual detail is that the match will officially be played behind closed doors following a UEFA sanction against Croatia. However, 100 England Supporters Travel Club members have been permitted to attend, while Croatia is also expected to allow thousands of schoolchildren into Stadion HNK Rijeka under UEFA regulations.