Croatia vs England – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 03-10-2026

Croatia and England meet in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage (League A, Group 3). The match takes place this Saturday, 03 October, at 17:00 (UK time) / 16:00 (GMT) at the Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka. This clash is a crucial fixture for both nations as they aim to keep pace with group leaders Spain.

England enter the contest looking to build on recent success against their opponents, having remained unbeaten in the last four head-to-head encounters since the 2018 World Cup semi-final. However, with the match being played behind closed doors due to a UEFA sanction, Croatia will look to overcome significant defensive absences and claim vital points on home soil. Our Croatia vs. England prediction anticipates a competitive and tactically charged affair.

Keep reading to discover our betting tips and analysis for this exciting encounter.

Croatia x England Odds

Odds are subject to change.

Odds are subject to change.

Croatia vs. England – Head-to-head record

Looking at recent history, England hold the upper hand against Croatia. Across their last four meetings following the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow, the Three Lions have secured three victories and one draw, including a high-scoring 4-2 triumph in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

In total, the two teams have faced each other 12 times in competitive and friendly action. England have won seven encounters, Croatia have claimed three victories, and two games have ended level.

On Croatian soil, the rivalry remains finely balanced with one victory apiece and one draw—which notably came at this very ground in Rijeka back in October 2018, also behind closed doors (0-0).

Head-to-head

Croatia – Seeking consistency at home

Following a heavy 4-1 defeat against European champions Spain in Seville, Slaven Bilić’s Croatia are determined to steady their defensive structure in Rijeka. Let’s take a closer look at the team’s current form and their tactical outlook ahead of this marquee Group A3 test.

Recent form

Croatia have experienced contrasting fortunes in their opening Nations League outings. After kicking off the international window with a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Czechia in Prague, the Vatreni were unpicked by Spain’s transitions, conceding four times and highlighting vulnerabilities when pressed at high tempo.

Slaven Bilić must navigate serious selection headaches in his defensive department. Centre-back Martin Erlić and full-back Josip Juranović have both withdrawn through injury, while Josip Stanišić has been battling illness. That could prompt 19-year-old Brighton talent Luka Vušković to partner Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol in the heart of defence.

Further forward, evergreen maestro Luka Modrić is pushing for a start in midfield alongside Mateo Kovačić, while in-form striker Dion Drena Beljo—who has five goals in his last four matches for club and country—will lead the line supported by Ivan Perišić and Martin Baturina.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Croatia

D. Livaković; I. Smolčić, L. Vušković, J. Gvardiol, I. Perišić; L. Modrić, M. Kovačić, P. Sučić; M. Baturina (M. Pašalić), D. Beljo (A. Budimir), F. Ivanović.

England – Fresh from a solid victory

Let’s examine England’s position ahead of their trip to Rijeka. Following a professional 2-0 away win against ten-man Czechia, Thomas Tuchel’s side aim to maintain pressure on Spain at the summit of Group A3.

Recent form

England’s campaign began with a frantic 3-2 home loss to Spain at Wembley, but the Three Lions responded in commanding fashion in Prague, keeping their first clean sheet in seven matches thanks to second-half strikes from Anthony Gordon and captain Harry Kane.

Tuchel continues to manage a depleted roster following pre-camp withdrawals from Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Marcus Rashford. Furthermore, Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly has returned to his club with a muscle issue, leaving Newcastle’s Lewis Hall set to retain his spot. In goal, Jordan Pickford is confirmed to rotate into the starting XI ahead of James Trafford.

In attack, Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon remain in lethal form, having both scored in each of England’s opening two Nations League games. With Jude Bellingham and Ezri Konsa pushing for recalls to the starting side, the Three Lions possess significant quality to exploit open spaces in transition.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for England

J. Pickford; T. Alexander-Arnold, M. Guéhi, E. Konsa (T. Chalobah), L. Hall; E. Anderson, M. Lewis-Skelly (E. Eze); B. Saka, J. Bellingham (M. Rogers), A. Gordon; H. Kane.

Croatia vs. England – Stats

• Across 12 all-time meetings, England hold seven victories compared to Croatia”s three, with two fixtures ending in draws.
• England have won three of the last four encounters against Croatia since the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
• Six of England’s last seven matches across all competitions have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams score.
• Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon lead England”s scoring charts with two goals apiece in this Nations League campaign.
• Veteran winger Ivan Perišić has already provided two assists for Croatia in Group A3.

Croatia
CRO

VS

England
ENG

Predictions for Croatia vs. England – Three Lions’ attacking edge

England arrive in Rijeka boasting superior attacking rhythm and transitional speed. With Kane leading the line and wide outlets Saka and Gordon in clinical touch, Tuchel’s side are well positioned to trouble a makeshift Croatian backline that shipped four goals in Seville on Tuesday. A high-scoring match with “Over 2.5 goals” is a real possibility.

Croatia retain top-tier technical quality in central areas through Modrić and Kovačić, and Dion Beljo gives them an in-form target inside the box. However, their recent defensive record—conceding in 11 of their last 12 fixtures—remains a major vulnerability against elite opposition.

Without an intimidating home crowd to back them behind closed doors, Croatia will find it difficult to withstand England”s pace out wide over 90 minutes. Our primary prediction is an away win for England on the Moneyline.

Croatia x England

Tip

Tip

Best Odd

Over/Under

Over 2.5 goals in the match

1.60

Goalscorer

Harry Kane to score

1.80

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker”s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on Croatia vs. England

Discover more betting tips for the Croatia vs. England clash. We”ve analysed additional markets to offer extra options for this UEFA Nations League fixture.

🔥 Double Chance: Croatia or England – 1.25 at BetMGM

Both teams will be keen to secure a victory, making a decisive result highly probable. This market focuses on either side winning the match, removing the possibility of a draw.
🔥 Total Goals – 1st Half: Over 0.5 – 1.28 at BetMGM

Given the attacking talent on display, we anticipate an early goal. Therefore, betting on at least one goal being scored in the first half is a solid option.

Where to watch Croatia vs. England?

Here is where to watch Croatia vs. England:

• TV: ITV1
• Streaming: no broadcast scheduled

Croatia vs. England – Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: Croatia vs. England
• Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026
• Date: 03/10/2026
• Kick-off: 17:00 (UK time) / 16:00 (GMT)
• Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

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