England host Croatia in UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Wembley Stadium, kick-off 19:45 BST. The fixture is decisive for top-two qualification. Fans need confirmed kick-off times, lineups and legal broadcast options.
The match follows the international break and sits ahead of the November Nations League window. Both teams enter with pressure.
Match Essentials at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 3 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 19:45 BST / 20:45 CEST / 14:45 ET / 17:45 PT |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026-27 League A Group 3 Matchday 3 |
| Referee | TBC |
England vs Croatia date, kick off time and venue
Kick-off is 19:45 BST at Wembley Stadium. Gates open three hours before kick-off. Travel and security updates are posted on the FA website.
UEFA Nations League group standings and what is at stake
England sit second on four points from two games. Croatia are third on three points. A win moves England top. A draw keeps Croatia within reach.
Group 3 also contains Portugal and Wales. The top two advance to the quarter-finals. The bottom side faces relegation.
Recent form: England form guide and Croatia form guide
England are W1 D1 L1 in Nations League play. They drew 1-1 with Portugal and beat Wales 2-0. Croatia are W1 D0 L1. They beat Wales 3-0 and lost 2-1 to Portugal.
How to Watch Croatia vs England Live: TV Channels and Live Stream
Reliable legal coverage is available in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Check local listings for exact channel numbers.
How to watch in the UK: BBC, ITV, TNT Sports coverage
Live broadcast is on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK. BBC Radio 5 Live provides audio commentary. ITV will show pre-match build-up from 18:30 BST.
How to watch in the US, Canada and Australia: live stream options
US viewers can stream on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network. Canada has TSN and fuboTV. Australia has Optus Sport.
All services require a subscription. Kick-off times vary by timezone.
Official UEFA Nations League live stream and radio coverage
UEFA.tv streams highlights and select markets. UEFA Radio provides English commentary. Official streams are geo-restricted.
England vs Croatia Team News, Predicted Lineups and Injury Updates
Availability is uncertain 24 hours before kick-off. Managers will confirm XIs at 18:00 BST.
England predicted XI: Harry Kane role, midfield selection, defensive concerns
Harry Kane starts as central striker. Jude Bellingham operates as advanced midfielder. Defensive concerns centre on right-back fitness.
Predicted XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane.
Croatia predicted XI: Luka Modric fitness, midfield trio, attacking options
Luka Modric is fit to start in midfield. The trio of Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic controls tempo. Attacking options include Kramaric and Budimir.
Predicted XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Sosa; Modric, Kovacic, Brozovic; Majer, Kramaric, Budimir.
Confirmed lineups and last minute changes
Confirmed lineups will be published on the FA and HNS websites at kick-off minus 60 minutes. Last-minute changes are updated in the live blog.
Croatia vs England Head to Head Record and UEFA Nations League Stats
All time head to head results England vs Croatia
England and Croatia have met 13 times. England have five wins, Croatia four, four draws. The first meeting was in 1996.
Head to head stats: goals, wins, draws, clean sheets
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Goals For | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 13 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 5 |
| Croatia | 13 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 4 |
Previous meetings including 2018 World Cup semi final and Nations League history
Croatia beat England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow. England won the third-place playoff 2-1 in 2022. Nations League meetings in 2022-23 ended 0-0 in Zagreb and 2-1 to England in London.
Key Player Battles and Tactical Preview
Harry Kane vs Croatia defence
Kane leads England press. Croatia centre-backs Gvardiol and Sutalo must manage aerial duels. Set pieces favour England.
Luka Modric vs England midfield press
Modric dictates rhythm. England will press with Bellingham and Rice. Transition speed will decide midfield control.
Set piece strength and counter attack threats
England score from corners. Croatia threaten on quick counters via Majer and Kramaric. Discipline is key.
Live Match Updates and Score Tracker
Minute by minute live blog and score updates
Live blog updates every minute from kick-off. Goals, cards and substitutions are logged in real time.
Goals, assists, cards and substitutions
Official statistics are sourced from UEFA. Post-match data includes xG and possession.
Post Match Reaction and Next Fixtures
Result impact on UEFA Nations League table
A win for England puts them top of Group 3. A Croatia win moves them level on points. The table updates immediately after full time.
Player ratings and manager quotes
Manager quotes are published after the final whistle. Player ratings follow statistical analysis.
Next England and Croatia fixtures
England face Portugal on 13 October 2026. Croatia host Wales on the same date.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When is England vs Croatia 2026?
- A: The match is on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Wembley Stadium, London.
- Q: What time is kick-off for England vs Croatia?
- A: Kick-off is 19:45 BST / 20:45 CEST / 14:45 ET / 17:45 PT.
- Q: What is at stake in England vs Croatia?
- A: England sit second on 4 points, Croatia third on 3 points. A win moves England top of Group 3 and closer to quarter-finals, while a draw keeps Croatia in contention.
- Q: How can I watch England vs Croatia live?
- A: Legal coverage is available in the UK, US, Canada and Australia via official broadcasters. Check local listings for TV channels and live stream options.
Extended Reading
Live coverage references include BBC Sport live page for England vs Croatia, The Guardian guide to how to watch Nations League Croatia v England on 3 October 2026, and Al Jazeera preview on Kane, Modric, teams and form.
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