Croatia host England in Rijeka in UEFA Nations League Group A3. Read team news, form, head-to-head, players to watch, and predictions.
England travel to Rijeka for a significant UEFA Nations League Group A3 encounter against Croatia on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with both teams attempting to strengthen their positions behind group leaders Spain.
The match at Stadion HNK Rijeka kicks off at 07:00 p.m. EAT. Both countries enter Matchday 3 with three points after recording one victory and one defeat in their opening two matches.
For England, captain Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon arrive in goalscoring form. Croatia, meanwhile, will again look towards the experience of 41-year-old captain Luka Modric as they attempt to recover from a heavy defeat against Spain.
Croatia vs England Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League – League A, Group A3 |
| Match | Croatia vs England |
| Date | Saturday, October 3, 2026 |
| Venue | Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka |
| Kick-off | 7:00 p.m. EAT |
| Croatia points | 3 |
| England points | 3 |
Spain currently lead Group A3 with six points. England and Croatia both have three, although England sit above Croatia on goal difference, while the Czech Republic are without a point after two games.
That makes Saturday’s contest particularly important, with the winner capable of strengthening their position in the group before the second half of the campaign.
Croatia Looking to Respond After Spain Defeat
Croatia opened their Nations League campaign positively by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in Prague.
However, their second match provided a much tougher examination.
Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice as the reigning world champions maintained their perfect start to the competition.
Croatia therefore return home looking for a response.
Modric remains central to their midfield even at 41. The captain scored Croatia’s opening goal of the Nations League campaign against the Czech Republic, while experienced Ivan Perisic has also remained influential.
England Recover After Opening Defeat
England’s campaign has followed a similar pattern.
Thomas Tuchel’s team started with a 3-2 home defeat against Spain before recovering with a 2-0 victory over the 10-man Czech Republic in Prague.
Anthony Gordon headed England ahead shortly after half-time from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delivery before Kane secured the victory with the second goal.
Gordon and Kane have now both scored in England’s opening two Nations League fixtures, giving Croatia’s defence a clear indication of the threat they will face in Rijeka.
Croatia vs England Head-to-Head
The rivalry has produced several memorable international matches.
According to Al Jazeera’s pre-match figures, the countries have met 12 times, with England recording seven victories, Croatia three and two matches ending in draws.
| Head-to-head | Record |
| Matches | 12 |
| England wins | 7 |
| Croatia wins | 3 |
| Draws | 2 |
England won their most recent meeting 4-2 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Kane scoring twice alongside goals from Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham.
Croatia, however, have painful memories for England supporters too. Their famous 2-1 extra-time victory in the 2018 World Cup semifinal eliminated England and sent Croatia into their first World Cup final.
The countries also drew 0-0 in Rijeka during the 2018 Nations League.
Players to Watch
Luka Modric – Croatia
Modric remains the heartbeat of Croatia’s midfield. Even at 41, his passing, positioning and ability to dictate tempo continue to make him central to the national team.
England will need to restrict the space available to the veteran midfielder if they want to control possession.
Harry Kane – England
Kane remains England’s principal attacking threat.
The Bayern Munich striker scored against Spain and the Czech Republic and enters Saturday’s game having found the net in both Nations League matches so far.
Anthony Gordon – England
Gordon has also scored in both of England’s opening matches.
His pace and movement from wide positions could be particularly important if Croatia push their full-backs forward and leave space behind.
Croatia vs England Team News
Croatia are expected to be without centre-back Martin Erlic, while right-back Josip Juranovic has also been sidelined by illness, according to Al Jazeera’s pre-match report.
Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric are among the experienced players available in Croatia’s squad. UEFA also lists younger options including Luka Vuskovic, Petar Sucic and Franjo Ivanovic.
England’s squad includes Kane, Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Guehi and Morgan Rogers.
Confirmed starting line-ups should be available approximately one hour before kick-off.
Croatia vs England Prediction
There is little separating the teams in the Group A3 standings, but their approaches could produce an open contest.
Croatia possess considerable midfield experience through Modric and Kovacic, while home advantage should help them respond after conceding four against Spain.
England, however, have attacking options capable of exploiting space, particularly through Gordon, Saka and Kane.
Match result: Croatia or draw presents one possible scenario given Croatia’s home setting, while England’s recent attacking form keeps the away side firmly in contention.
Both teams to score: Both have already scored against Spain during this Nations League campaign, suggesting chances could emerge at both ends.
Total goals: A match containing two or more goals is plausible given the attacking options available, although international matches can also become tactically cautious.
Possible score: Croatia 1-1 England.
Predictions are assessments rather than guarantees, and previous results do not determine future outcomes.
What Croatia vs England Means for Ugandan Supporters
The 7:00 p.m. EAT kick-off makes Croatia against England particularly accessible for Ugandan football supporters, with the match taking place early enough to follow without the late-night schedule associated with many European fixtures.
Several familiar players for supporters regularly watch European club football. Kane, Saka, Gordon, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold give England significant individual quality, while Croatia’s squad includes established names such as Modric, Kovacic and Gvardiol.
Kane will be especially interesting after scoring in both of England’s opening Nations League fixtures. Gordon is another player to follow after also finding the net in consecutive games.
The group situation adds further significance. Spain have established the early advantage with six points, but England and Croatia are level on three.
A victory in Rijeka would therefore strengthen either country’s position before the remaining fixtures, including another Croatia-England meeting scheduled for November 12.
Follow Croatia vs England on Bangbet Uganda
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Depending on availability, markets may include match result, double chance, total goals, both teams to score, and other pre-match or live selections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Croatia vs England?
Croatia hosts England on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in UEFA Nations League Group A3.
What time is Croatia vs England in Uganda?
The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. EAT, making it an early-evening fixture for supporters in Uganda.
Where is Croatia vs England being played?
The match takes place at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia.
How many points do Croatia and England have?
Both teams enter Matchday 3 with three points from two games. England are second and Croatia third, behind Spain on six points.
Who won the last Croatia vs England match?
England won the most recent meeting 4-2 at the 2026 World Cup. Kane scored twice, with Rashford and Bellingham also finding the net.
Who are the players to watch?
Modric remains one of Croatia’s most influential midfielders, while Kane and Gordon have each scored in both of England’s Nations League matches so far.
Conclusion
Croatia against England is an important early test for two teams attempting to keep pace with Spain in Nations League Group A3.
Croatia need a response after their 4-1 defeat in Seville, while England arrive with renewed confidence following their 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. The midfield battle involving Modric could prove crucial, but England’s combination of Kane and Gordon gives Tuchel’s team a significant attacking threat.
With both nations locked on three points and another meeting still to come in November, the result in Rijeka could have a major influence on how Group A3 develops.
