UEFA Nations League
Croatia v England: Big Match Preview
England will look to make it consecutive Nations League victories when they travel to Rijeka to face Croatia on Saturday evening. Thomas Tuchel’s side bounced back from a 3 to 2 defeat to Spain with a comfortable 2 to 0 win over Czechia, while Croatia were handed a 4 to 1 defeat by the world champions after opening their campaign with victory in Prague.
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Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialCroatia v England
Kick Off
Saturday 3 October at 17:00
Ground
Rijeka
Competition
UEFA Nations League
The Three Lions have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture in recent years, winning each of the last three meetings, including a 4 to 2 success at the World Cup in June. England produced 22 shots and 3.20 xG in that game compared with Croatia’s 0.70 xG, and Slaven Bilic’s ageing side again struggled badly against elite opposition when facing Spain. With Saturday’s game also being played without Croatia’s usual home support due to a UEFA sanction, England look well placed to collect another three points.
England at 3/4
Match Result
England appear to have too much quality for a Croatia side that has struggled whenever the level of opposition has risen. Bilic’s team have lost five of their 10 matches in 2026 and were comprehensively beaten 4 to 1 by Spain last time out, managing only five attempts compared with 16 from Spain. England have won nine of their last 12 internationals and dominated Croatia when the sides met at the World Cup. With Tuchel able to call upon considerably more pace and attacking quality, the Three Lions look a solid selection to win in Rijeka.
Harry Kane
Anytime Goalscorer
Harry Kane remains the obvious place to look in the goalscorer markets. The England captain has scored in each of his last five appearances for club and country and was on target against both Spain and Czechia during this international break. Kane also scored twice when England beat Croatia 4 to 2 at the World Cup, taking his record to three goals in three appearances against Saturday’s opponents. Croatia have conceded in 11 of their last 12 internationals and Kane looks well placed to add to his impressive international tally.
Anthony Gordon 1+
Player Shots On Target
Anthony Gordon has arguably been England’s standout attacking player during the current Nations League campaign. The Barcelona winger has scored in both matches and has registered at least one shot on target in 16 of his last 20 appearances for club and country. Gordon has also produced 12 shots on target across his last 10 England appearances and should again pose problems with his pace against an ageing Croatian defence. One effort on target looks an appealing bet.
Marco Pasalic 2+
Player Fouls
Marco Pasalic could be in for a difficult evening on Croatia’s right side if he is tasked with containing Gordon and the overlapping England left sided defender. The Croatian committed a foul and was booked against Spain, while Gordon has drawn nine fouls across his last five matches. With England likely to attack aggressively down that flank, Pasalic should face plenty of defensive individual situations and looks a reasonable selection to concede at least two free kicks.
Over 2.5 at 13/20
Match Goals Under/Over
Goals have been a regular feature in matches involving both nations. Croatia have seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals in eight of their last 10 fixtures, while the same combination has landed in seven of England’s last 10. The previous meeting finished 4 to 2 to England and Croatia have already conceded five goals across their opening two Nations League games. With Kane, Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham among England’s attacking options, another game featuring at least three goals looks likely.
England 2-1
Correct Score
Croatia remain capable of causing problems going forward and have scored in seven consecutive matches, but England possess greater quality across the pitch and have repeatedly got the better of this opponent in recent years. The Three Lions have won the last three meetings and should create enough chances to extend that run, although Croatia’s recent scoring record suggests they can contribute. A 2 to 1 England victory looks a reasonable correct score selection.
Croatia v England Tips
England
Match Result
Harry Kane
Anytime Goalscorer
Anthony Gordon 1+
Player Shots On Target
Marco Pasalic 2+
Player Fouls
Over 2.5
Match Goals Under/Over
England 2-1
Correct Score
Verdict
England look the stronger side and should have enough on the road. The scoreline call is Croatia 2-1 England, so there should be goals at both ends. Stephen Welch make England at 3/4 the standout call on the card.