Croatia vs England Preview

Croatia’s up-and-down Group 3 campaign meets an England side who have swung between big wins and defeats all season when the sides meet at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Saturday. Croatia’s run has been mixed, losing 4-1 away at Spain in their most recent Nations League outing. Before that, a 2-1 away win over Czech Republic had followed a 2-1 away defeat to Portugal the game before. Further back, Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 at home and won 1-0 away at Panama to open the sample. Across these five matches Croatia have taken three wins and two losses, with the Spain game their heaviest defeat by margin.

England’s form has swung between extremes, beating Czech Republic 2-0 away in their most recent outing. Before that, a 3-2 home defeat to Spain had followed a 6-4 away win over France the game before — their highest-scoring result in the sample. Further back, a 2-1 home defeat to Argentina preceded a 2-1 away win over Norway after extra time to open the run. Across these five matches England have taken three wins and two losses, with the France game their most eventful result by margin.

England hold the clear edge in this fixture, winning three of the last five meetings to Croatia’s one, with a single draw completing the sample. The most recent meeting finished 4-2 to England at home in June 2026, following a 1-0 home win in June 2021. Stadion HNK Rijeka hasn’t hosted this fixture in the sample, but Croatia’s only win came 2-1 at home after extra time in 2018, with a 0-0 draw at home also on the ledger that same year.

England sit second in Group 3 on three points, level with third-placed Croatia but ahead on goal difference. A win for Croatia at Stadion HNK Rijeka would take them to six points, level with leaders Spain at the top of the group.

Croatia’s home clash with England will be shown domestically on Nova TV, with UK viewers able to watch via ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland and STV Player, plus radio coverage on TalkSport Radio UK and BBC Radio 5 Live. It’s also available in the US on fuboTV and ViX.

Possible Lineups

Croatia — Form

England — Form

Head-to-Head

Where to Watch

Table

Group 3 Standings