Croatia vs. England: Nations League Clash — Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

Croatia and England renew their modern-day rivalry as they square off in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League this Saturday.

The upcoming clash in Rijeka represents the sixth encounter between these two sides over the last eight years. Croatia claimed the most important victory of the series in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, but England has since taken the last three meetings—including one during the group stage of last summer's World Cup.

The Three Lions finished third in North America, yet Thomas Tuchel remains under considerable pressure in the manager's seat. Following his ill-fated defensive substitutions against Argentina that denied England a spot in the final, the German coach is working hard to rebuild the confidence of the fanbase.

England opened their campaign with a 3–2 loss to Spain in Group 3 of League A, with the world champions also dispatching Croatia 4–1 in their most recent outing. Both sides have since beaten Czechia, however, giving them three points each as they chase down La Roja.

Croatia vs. England Score Prediction

England Overcomes Awkward Test

England has released the shackles in recent outings. The 6–4 win over France in the World Cup third-place playoff was followed by an equally high-octane encounter with Spain, which once more highlighted their attacking prowess despite persistent defensive vulnerabilities.

England and Croatia served up a thrilling six-goal spectacle in Dallas over the summer, and there's little reason to expect anything drastically different when they meet this weekend.

Former West Ham United boss Slaven Bilić is still settling into his second tenure as Croatia's head coach, and while he has some dangerous attacking options at his disposal, the recent four-goal drubbing by Spain highlights clear defensive weaknesses that England will look to exploit.

Prediction: Croatia 1–3 England

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs. England

Bilić rotated his squad for the trip to Spain, but several key players are set to reclaim their spots against England—most notably iconic midfielder Luka Modrić, who continues to perform at the highest level at the age of 41.

Luka Vušković and Josip Stanišić are expected to slot back into defense, prompting a reshuffle that may see Joško Gvardiol deployed at left back opposite Bukayo Saka.

Freiburg forward Igor Matanović could be handed a start to test England's central defenders, while experienced winger Ivan Perišić may feature on the left flank.

Como's Martin Baturina, who netted a stunning goal against England at the World Cup, is expected to return in an attacking midfield role after recovering from a recent illness.

Croatia predicted lineup vs. England (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišic, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; L. Sučić, Baturina, Perišić; Matanović.

England Predicted Lineup vs. Croatia

Tuchel remains without the injured Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Marcus Rashford for the Croatia fixture, though he still has a wealth of talent to call upon across the pitch.

Jordan Pickford is anticipated to reclaim the goalkeeper spot after James Trafford's two-game run, while Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold could form the preferred fullback pairing following their solid display against Czechia. Ezri Konsa may come in to replace Trevoh Chalobah at center back.

Elliot Anderson could be partnered in central midfield by close friend Alex Scott, with Myles Lewis-Skelly potentially dropping to the bench. Jude Bellingham is set to start at No. 10, with Saka and the in-form Anthony Gordon on either side.

There is no question about the striker position as Kane looks to keep his scoring run going.

England predicted lineup vs. Croatia (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guéhi, Hall; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

What Time Does Croatia vs. England Kick Off?

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