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Stadion Rujevica
England won
Croatia host England in a UEFA Nations League clash played behind closed doors, an unusual circumstance that strips away home atmosphere as a factor and shifts weight back toward pure footballing quality. With no confirmed injuries, suspensions, or lineup disruptions on either side, the form guide and underlying numbers remain the most reliable guide to this fixture.
England arrive as clear favorites, and the statistical case supports that standing. Tuchel's side have shown stronger xG efficiency and tighter defensive organization in recent outings compared to Croatia, whose starting XI is still unconfirmed heading into kickoff. That gap in output quality, rather than any single tactical wrinkle, is the main driver behind England's edge in this matchup.
Croatia remain capable of frustrating stronger opposition at home, and a 24% win probability reflects a side that shouldn't be dismissed outright, especially with the draw also well in play at 25%. Still, bookmakers have consistently priced England as the stronger side, with average odds around 1.81 reinforcing the market's confidence in an away win.
For bettors, backing England to secure the three points aligns with both the statistical trends and odds movement. Those seeking value elsewhere might look at England to win combined with an under-goals market, given Croatia's tendency to sit compact against higher-ranked opponents.
Last 5 head-to-head matchups
These teams met as recently as June 2026 at the World Cup, where England ran out 4-2 winners despite Croatia...
These teams met as recently as June 2026 at the World Cup, where England ran out 4-2 winners despite Croatia leading at one stage. Going back to 2021, England also won a Euro Championship tie 1-0. Croatia's last win over England dates back to the 2018 World Cup. Over the past two years, England have a 2-0 edge in this fixture, with goals flowing in the most recent encounter — a trend that could repeat given both teams' leaky defenses this campaign.
Last 15 matches across all competitionsUEFA Nations League matches highlighted
2 of 15 in UEFA Nations League
Form Rating
6.3/10
Croatia have been wildly inconsistent, following a 2-1 win over Czechia with a 4-1 hammering...
Croatia have been wildly inconsistent, following a 2-1 win over Czechia with a 4-1 hammering by Spain in their last Nations League outing. Defensively they've been exposed, shipping five goals in two matches and failing to keep a clean sheet all campaign. Their away-only record this cycle (they've yet to play at home in this Nations League phase) shows one win and one loss. Goals have come from different sources, but the concerning conceding rate of 2.5 per game is the headline issue. Without defensive solidity, Croatia will need their attack to outscore opponents rather than relying on clean sheets, a tough ask against England's firepower.
2 of 15 in UEFA Nations League
Form Rating
7.3/10
England have shown resilience, bouncing back from a 3-2 home loss to Spain with a...
England have shown resilience, bouncing back from a 3-2 home loss to Spain with a comfortable 2-0 win over Czechia. Their attack has been productive at two goals per game, and they managed one clean sheet in two outings — a rarity in this group given the goals flying in across the board. Kobbie Mainoo was listed as questionable with a wound issue earlier in the year, though his current fitness status isn't detailed here. England's away form this campaign reads one win from one game, and with momentum from their last result, they travel to Rijeka full of confidence as slight favorites.
2026 Season
No reported injuries

Availability data is sourced from official team reports and may not reflect real-time updates.
Moderate
Moderate
Even
Moderate
Croatia vs England - Match Analysis
England's underlying numbers are simply stronger — they're scoring more (2.0 vs 1.5 per game) and conceding less (1.5 vs 2.5 per game) than Croatia this campaign. Add in England's recent head-to-head dominance, including a 4-2 win in June, and the bookmakers' 50.6% implied probability for England looks well-founded despite the league standings showing both sides level on points.
Over 2.5 Goals stands out given both teams are averaging a combined 3.5 goals per game and neither defense has been reliable. Both Teams to Score is another strong option considering Croatia's leaky backline and England's consistent scoring. For safety, Draw No Bet: England hedges against an upset while still backing the stronger side.
It's possible — Croatia have home advantage and showed attacking quality in beating Czechia. However, their defense has been their undoing, conceding five goals in two Nations League matches. If Croatia can tighten up defensively and capitalize on home support, they have enough firepower to trouble England, but their inconsistent recent form makes it the riskier side to back.
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