Croatia host England in UEFA Nations League Group A4 on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb. Kick-off is 20:45 CEST, 19:45 BST.
The game is the second meeting between the sides in the current Nations League campaign. Both teams are in the top four of Group A4.
Match Overview and Context
England vs Croatia date, kick-off time and venue
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026.
Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia.
Kick-off: 20:45 local time, 19:45 BST, 14:45 ET, 11:45 PT.
UEFA Nations League Group A4 standings and what is at stake
Group A4 is led by Portugal with 7 points from 3 games. England sit second with 6 points, Croatia third with 4 points.
A win moves the winner closer to the quarter-finals. A loss complicates qualification.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 7 | |
| England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 6 | |
| Croatia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Scotland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
How to Watch Croatia vs England Live
TV channels in UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe
UK: BBC One and ITV broadcast live. BBC Radio 5 Live carries audio.
US: UEFA.tv streams the match live. Peacock holds rights to Nations League coverage.
Canada: Sportsnet and OneSoccer show live.
Australia: Optus Sport holds rights.
Europe: Croatian broadcaster HRT and RTL show the game live.
Live stream options and official broadcasters
Official streams are available via broadcaster apps and UEFA.tv.
UK viewers can use BBC iPlayer and ITVX with a valid TV licence.
US viewers need a Peacock subscription for live access.
Radio coverage and live blog updates
Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live, Talksport, and HRT Radio 1.
Live text and minute-by-minute commentary are provided by BBC Sport and The Guardian.
Team News, Predicted Lineups and Key Players
England squad update, Harry Kane form and injury news
Harry Kane is fit and starts after scoring twice in qualifying.
England have no new injuries. Jude Bellingham is available.
Phil Foden returns to the squad.
Croatia squad update, Luka Modric role and fitness
Luka Modric is in the squad and expected to start in midfield.
Croatia are without defender Domagoj Vida through suspension.
Andrej Kramaric leads the line.
Predicted XI England vs Croatia and tactical preview
England are expected to play 4-3-3 with Pickford in goal.
Croatia are expected to use 4-3-3 with Livakovic in goal and Modric deep.
Croatia vs England Head to Head Stats and UEFA Nations League Form
All-time head to head record and recent meetings
England and Croatia have met 24 times.
England have 10 wins, Croatia 7, draws 7.
| Competition | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup 2018 Semi-final | 11 Jul 2018 | Croatia 2-1 England |
| Nations League 2022/23 | 26 Sep 2022 | England 0-1 Croatia |
| Nations League 2022/23 | 14 Jun 2023 | Croatia 2-3 England |
Nations League stats, goals, possession and results
England average 58 percent possession in Nations League 2026.
Croatia average 52 percent possession.
England have scored 5 goals and conceded 3 in 3 games.
Croatia have scored 4 and conceded 4.
Current form guide for England and Croatia
England form: W L W W.
Croatia form: D W L D.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Kane vs Croatia defence
Kane has 7 goals in his last 10 internationals.
Croatia centre backs Josko Gvardiol and Martin Erlic will mark him.
Modric vs England midfield battle
Modric controls tempo. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will press.
Young England talent vs experienced Croatia core
England average age is 25. Croatia average age is 29.
Live Updates and Post-Match Reaction
Live score tracker and minute by minute commentary
Live updates will be published during the match.
Goals, assists and player ratings
Player ratings will be updated after full time.
Manager quotes Southgate vs Dalic and next fixtures
Thomas Tuchel manages England. Zlatko Dalic manages Croatia.
Next fixtures are on 13 October 2026.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When is England vs Croatia in 2026?
- A: The match is on Saturday 3 October 2026, kick-off 20:45 CEST, 19:45 BST, 14:45 ET, 11:45 PT.
- Q: Where is England vs Croatia being played?
- A: The game is at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Q: How can I watch England vs Croatia live?
- A: UK: BBC One, ITV, BBC iPlayer, ITVX. US: UEFA.tv and Peacock. Canada: Sportsnet, OneSoccer. Australia: Optus Sport. Europe: HRT, RTL.
- Q: What is at stake in England vs Croatia?
- A: Both teams are in top four of Group A4. A win moves the winner closer to the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Extended Reading
Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. We go beyond the headlines to explore the forces shaping politics, economics, technology, and culture. Founded in 2026, we are an independent digital publication committed to clarity, context, and thoughtful journalism.
Reference coverage: BBC Sport live text, The Guardian how to watch guide, Al Jazeera team news and form preview.