Croatia vs England prediction in short: England are favourites to win in Rijeka on Saturday 3 October, with kick-off at 19:00 EAT. Both sides have three points after beating Czechia and losing to Spain, so the winner takes a big step towards the top two of the group, and Thomas Tuchel’s side have not lost to Croatia since 2018.
The match is being played behind closed doors because of a UEFA sanction against Croatia, which takes away much of the home advantage in what would normally be a hostile atmosphere. Here is everything you need to know before placing a bet.
Croatia vs England: Key Match Facts
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Matchday 3
- Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 EAT
- Venue: Stadion Rujevica (HNK Rijeka), Rijeka, behind closed doors
- Croatia form (Nations League): W L (2-1 vs Czechia away, 1-4 vs Spain away)
- England form (Nations League): L W (2-3 vs Spain at home, 2-0 vs Czechia away)
- Group position: Both teams on 3 points, three behind leaders Spain
Croatia vs England Prediction: Where Things Stand
England’s campaign began with a painful 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, a game remembered for Harry Kane’s missed penalty. If you missed it, our England 2-3 Spain report covers the key moments. Tuchel’s side responded with a professional 2-0 win in Prague, and Kane and Anthony Gordon have now scored in both matches.
Croatia also beat Czechia, winning 2-1 in Prague with 41 year old Luka Modric among the scorers. They were then well beaten 4-1 by Spain, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice. That result exposed real gaps in the Croatian defence.
Spain sit three points ahead of both sides after two wins, so defeat here would leave the loser with plenty of work to do.
Croatia Team News
Croatia have selection questions at the back. Teenager Luka Vuskovic is pushing to start at centre back, and Modric could return to the starting line up after being used more sparingly against Spain.
Josko Gvardiol remains the leader of the back line, while Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic bring experience. In attack, Dion Beljo is in good form and is the likely focal point.
Croatia possible XI
Livakovic; Smolcic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic, P. Sucic; Baturina, Beljo, Pasalic
England Team News
Manchester City left back Nico O’Reilly has withdrawn from the England squad with an injury, so Lewis Hall is expected to continue on the left side of defence.
Jordan Pickford is expected to return in goal after James Trafford started the opening two matches. Jude Bellingham, who had limited minutes in Prague, is in line to return to the starting line up, and Ezri Konsa could also come into the defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Gordon and Kane are all expected to start, giving England plenty of attacking quality. For more on how Tuchel built this group, read our England squad analysis.
England possible XI
Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Rogers, Gordon; Kane
Head to Head Record
England have the better of this fixture overall, and Croatia have not beaten them since the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Since that night in Moscow, England are unbeaten in four meetings, winning three and drawing one.
The most recent clash came at the World Cup in June 2026, when England won 4-2 in the United States. England’s last visit to Croatia, in the 2018 Nations League, ended goalless in an empty stadium, which is a curious echo of Saturday’s closed doors setting.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane (England)
Kane will want to make amends for the Spain penalty miss, and he has started this campaign well with goals in both games. Against a Croatian defence that leaked four goals to Spain, he is England’s most likely scorer.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Still going at 41, Modric scored in Prague and remains the heartbeat of this Croatia side. If he starts, Croatia will look to slow the game down and pick England apart through midfield.
Croatia vs England Betting Odds
Bookmakers have England as clear favourites, with Croatia and the draw priced close together as the outsiders. Check the latest prices on JetBet before kick-off, as confirmed line ups can shift the odds.
Prediction: Croatia 1-2 England
England have more pace and depth in attack, and Croatia’s defensive issues are a real concern against Kane, Saka and Gordon. Without a crowd behind them, Croatia lose one of their biggest weapons.
That said, England conceded three at home to Spain and Croatia always carry a threat through Perisic and Modric. Both teams scoring looks likely.
- Main pick: England to win
- Alternative: England to win and both teams to score
- Correct score: Croatia 1-2 England
- Player bet: Harry Kane to score anytime
For more tips across Europe this weekend, see our full football predictions page. Official squad news is available on the England Football website.
Croatia vs England FAQs
What time is Croatia vs England in Kenya?
Croatia vs England kicks off at 19:00 EAT on Saturday 3 October 2026 in Rijeka.
Why is Croatia vs England behind closed doors?
UEFA has ordered the match to be played without fans because of a sanction against Croatia for crowd trouble, although a small number of tickets have been allowed.
When did Croatia last beat England?
Croatia’s last win over England came in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. England are unbeaten in the four meetings since, including a 4-2 win in June 2026.
What is the best bet for Croatia vs England?
Our pick is an England win, with England to win and both teams to score as the value option. Bet only what you can afford to lose.
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