Croatia vs England

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UEFA Nations League · Oct 3, 2026 · 16:00

Final score: Croatia 0–7 England

Match preview

The UEFA Nations League kicks off for Croatia and England on October 3rd, 2026, with both nations eager to set an early marker. As this is the opening fixture of the campaign, there's no form to dissect, making predictions challenging but the tactical battle fascinating. England, under Gareth Southgate (assuming continuity), will likely favour their familiar attacking talent, looking to exploit any early-season defensive rustiness from the hosts. The focus will be on their young creative midfielders and the potency of their frontline, aiming for a quick start to the group stage.

Croatia, conversely, will rely on their renowned resilience and midfield craft. Their ability to control possession and dictate tempo will be key to stifling England's pace. While their core may have evolved since their World Cup highs, the Croatian spirit remains undimmed. Watch for individual brilliance from their experienced playmakers and the battle for midfield supremacy. This early encounter could set the tone for both teams' Nations League aspirations, promising a tightly contested affair where the first goal could prove crucial.

Standings

Croatia: #3 · 3 Pts · 4 P (1W 0D 3L)
England: #2 · 9 Pts · 4 P (3W 0D 1L)

Recent form

Croatia

L Sep 29, 2026: Spain 4–1 Croatia
W Sep 26, 2026: Czechia 1–2 Croatia
L Jul 2, 2026: Portugal 2–1 Croatia
W Jun 27, 2026: Croatia 2–1 Ghana
W Jun 23, 2026: Panama 0–1 Croatia

England

W Sep 29, 2026: Czechia 0–2 England
L Sep 26, 2026: England 2–3 Spain
W Jul 18, 2026: France 4–6 England
L Jul 15, 2026: England 1–2 Argentina
W Jul 11, 2026: Norway 1–2 England

Head-to-head

2026-06-17T20:00:00+00:00: England 4–2 Croatia
2021-06-13T13:00:00+00:00: England 1–0 Croatia
2018-11-18T14:00:00+00:00: England 2–1 Croatia
2018-10-12T18:45:00+00:00: Croatia 0–0 England
2018-07-11T18:00:00+00:00: Croatia 2–1 England

Lineups

Croatia (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

1. D. Livaković, 2. I. Smolčić, 6. J. Šutalo, 3. M. Pongračić, 4. J. Gvardiol, 22. J. Mišić, 8. M. Kovačić, 19. Marco Pasalic, 17. P. Sučić, 14. I. Perišić, 20. D. Beljo

England (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

13. J. Trafford, 2. T. Alexander-Arnold, 12. T. Chalobah, 6. M. Guéhi, 3. L. Hall, 8. E. Anderson, 16. M. Lewis-Skelly, 7. B. Saka, 17. M. Rogers, 11. A. Gordon, 9. H. Kane

Match events

8' Goal Normal Goal — Harry Kane (England) (assists: Jude Bellingham)
21' Goal Normal Goal — Jude Bellingham (England) (assists: Anthony Gordon)
39' Goal Normal Goal — Anthony Gordon (England) (assists: Jarell Quansah)
45' Goal Normal Goal — Bukayo Saka (England) (assists: Jude Bellingham)
45' subst Substitution 1 — Petar Musa (Croatia) (assists: Igor Matanovic)
45' subst Substitution 2 — Petar Sučić (Croatia) (assists: Mario Pašalić)
45' subst Substitution 3 — Martin Baturina (Croatia) (assists: Nikola Vlašić)
53' Goal Normal Goal — Harry Kane (England) (assists: Elliot Anderson)
57' subst Substitution 4 — Luka Modrić (Croatia) (assists: Kristijan Jakić)
68' Goal Normal Goal — Bukayo Saka (England) (assists: Harry Kane)
68' Card Yellow Card — Mateo Kovačić (Croatia)
70' subst Substitution 1 — Anthony Gordon (England) (assists: Eberechi Eze)
70' subst Substitution 2 — Alex Scott (England) (assists: James Garner)
70' subst Substitution 3 — Harry Kane (England) (assists: Morgan Rogers)
76' subst Substitution 5 — Josip Stanišić (Croatia) (assists: Josip Šutalo)
79' subst Substitution 4 — Elliot Anderson (England) (assists: Morgan Gibbs-White)
79' subst Substitution 5 — Lewis Hall (England) (assists: Myles Lewis-Skelly)
87' Goal Normal Goal — Morgan Rogers (England)