England play Croatia in UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb. Kick-off is 19:45 BST, 20:45 CEST.
The fixture is the second group game of the October 2026 Nations League window. Both sides need points to stay in contention for quarter-final qualification.
Match Overview and Context
Croatia host England in the opening round of fixtures in Zagreb. The match follows England’s Nations League opener and Croatia’s home campaign start.
Group standings are tight after Matchday 1. A win for either side gives early control of the group.
How to Watch England vs Croatia Live
Uefa Nations League coverage is available across Europe, North America and Oceania on 3 October 2026.
| Country | TV Channel | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ITV1, ITV4 | ITVX |
| United States | CBS Sports Network | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo |
| Europe | Varies by territory | Viaplay, UEFA.tv |
| Australia | Optus Sport | Optus Sport app |
Kick-off times vary by timezone.
| Timezone | Local Kick-off |
|---|---|
| UK – BST | 19:45 |
| Croatia – CEST | 20:45 |
| US ET | 14:45 |
| US PT | 11:45 |
| Australia AEDT | 05:45 Sun 4 Oct |
Team News, Predicted Lineups and Form
England squad news is stable. Harry Kane leads the attack. He scored twice in the last international window.
Croatia squad news centres on Luka Modric. The midfielder remains in the squad at 41. Fitness is reported as fine.
England predicted XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane. Formation 4-3-3.
Croatia predicted XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Barisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Budimir, Majer. Formation 4-3-3.
England form: W1 D1 L1 in last three competitive matches. Croatia form: W2 D0 L1 in last three competitive matches.
Croatia vs England Head to Head and UEFA Nations League Stats
Historical record favours England overall. The 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow ended Croatia 2-1 England.
| Competition | England Wins | Draws | Croatia Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Time | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| UEFA Nations League | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| World Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Nations League meetings in 2022/23 ended 1-0 England and 0-0 draw. Goals per game average is 1.6. Discipline record shows 3.2 yellow cards per match in recent meetings.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane vs Croatian defence. Kane has 68 international goals. He scored in the last England-Croatia meeting.
Luka Modric influences tempo. Modric completed 91% passes in Croatia’s last Nations League match.
England creative threats are Saka and Foden. Croatia counter attack options rely on Kramaric pace and Majer link play.
Prediction and Match Build Up
Form suggests a close contest. England have attacking depth. Croatia have home support and midfield control.
Tactical matchup pits England press against Croatia possession. Both teams prefer high line.
Prediction: Croatia 1-1 England. Live updates will be posted at kick-off.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When and where is England vs Croatia played?
- A: Saturday 3 October 2026 at Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb. Kick-off is 19:45 BST, 20:45 CEST.
- Q: How can I watch England vs Croatia live?
- A: UK: ITV1/ITV4 on ITVX. US: CBS Sports Network on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo. Australia: Optus Sport. Europe varies via Viaplay and UEFA.tv.
- Q: What is at stake in this Nations League fixture?
- A: It is Matchday 2 of League A Group 4. A win gives early control of the group and crucial momentum for quarter-final qualification.
- Q: Who is in England’s predicted XI vs Croatia?
- A: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane in a 4-3-3.
Extended Reading
Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. Founded in 2026, it is an independent digital publication committed to clarity, context, and thoughtful journalism.
Broadcast details and team news align with reporting from BBC Sport live coverage, The Guardian Nations League guide and Al Jazeera match preview on Croatia v England, Kane and Modric.