England host Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday with kick-off set for 7:45 pm in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture where the hosts need just one point from their final two matches to secure a quarter-final berth.
England Meet Croatia at Wembley
Thomas Tuchel’s side enter the fixture sitting second in Group A3 with nine points from four matches. They trail leaders Spain by three points. A single draw on home turf will officially book their place in the knockout phase.
“perfect captain and a leader by example,” Thomas Tuchel said.
The Opta supercomputer heavily favours England. It gives them a win probability of 67.2 percent. Croatia received a 14.8 percent chance. A draw was estimated at an 18 percent likelihood.
Croatia arrive in London positioned third in the group standings. England have won their last four encounters against Croatia.
England have won eight of the teams’ 13 meetings. Two matches ended in draws. Croatia claimed three victories.
Croatia’s only away victory against England was a 3-2 result in November 2007. That came in a European Championship qualifier.
Harry Kane Chases History
England captain Harry Kane enters the fixture fresh from winning the Ballon d’Or. If he takes the pitch against Croatia, the Bayern Munich striker will earn his 126th cap.
That milestone will surpass former goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Shilton is the most-capped men’s player in England’s history. Kane is already England’s record scorer with 91 goals.
Kane has found the net in all four of his games in Group A3. He scored a brace in the 7-0 victory over Croatia. He has six goals in this qualifying campaign.
Betting analysts suggest an assist is a viable market for the captain. He provided two assists in a recent 2-1 victory for Bayern Munich at Mainz.
Kane has gone four competitive matches without scoring for his club. His international form remains clinical. He scored four goals across his previous two England appearances.
England Faces Player Absences While Croatia Prepares Likely Lineup
England will be without defenders Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence. Both men are expected to recover for Sunday’s clash against Spain. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for this match after picking up a second booking.
Slaven Bilić is managing a series of withdrawals since naming his squad. The probable line-up for Croatia includes Dominik Livaković in goal. He is supported by a defensive unit of Josip Stanišić, Luka Vušković, Duje Ćaleta-Car, and Joško Gvardiol.
The predicted starting XI for Croatia includes Dominik Livakovic. It also lists Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, and Josip Stanisic.
Ivan Perisic starts in midfield alongside Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. Martin Baturina, Igor Matanovic, and Ante Budimir complete the lineup.
England’s predicted lineup features Jordan Pickford in goal. He is supported by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Lewis Hall.
The midfield is expected to include Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Rogers. Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon join them. Harry Kane plays as the lone forward.
We will have to be maximally focused, with a lot of energy, and if we give our all, we have the right to expect a positive result. The atmosphere is relaxed, the guys are great.
Simun Hrgovic, Croatia squad member
Croatia remains focused on proving their standing despite the recent 7-0 result. “If you remember what I said when I came, my plan and desire haven't changed one bit. To achieve that, then you have to beat those national teams too,” Bilić said during his press conference.
“It was the highest level from everyone and from first to last minute as well,” Thomas Tuchel said.
The match will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX. Coverage starts at 7pm on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
