England travels to face Croatia in UEFA Nations League League A on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb. Kick-off is 19:45 CEST, 18:45 BST. The fixture is live on ITV1 in the UK and streams on ITVX.
The match decides early group momentum in League A Group 3. Both teams enter with one win from two. A win moves the winner clear of the drop zone. A draw keeps the group tight.
England vs Croatia UEFA Nations League Live Coverage and Match Preview
Match Overview and Key Storylines
Date, kick-off time and venue for Croatia vs England on Saturday 3 October 2026 is confirmed as Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb. Kick-off is 19:45 local time.
UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 standings are tight. England sit second on four points. Croatia sit third on three points. The top two advance to quarter-finals.
Kane vs Modric is the central narrative. Harry Kane leads England in goals. Luka Modric remains Croatia’s midfield anchor at 40. England’s attacking form is strong. Croatia’s experience is built around midfield control.
How to Watch Croatia vs England Live: TV Channels and Live Stream
UK TV channel and live stream options are ITV1 and ITVX free to air. BBC Radio 5 Live provides audio commentary.
| Region | TV Channel | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| UK | ITV1 | ITVX |
| US | Fox Sports 1 | ViX, Fox Sports App |
| Canada | TSN 1 | TSN Direct |
| Australia | Optus Sport | Optus Sport App |
| International | Varies | UEFA.tv for highlights |
Free live stream options are limited to licensed broadcasters. Official UEFA Nations League streaming guide lists national rights holders only. Unofficial streams are not endorsed.
England vs Croatia Head to Head Stats and UEFA Nations League Record
All time head to head results show England with the edge. The teams have met 13 times. England have 5 wins. Croatia have 3 wins. 5 matches ended level.
| Competition | Date | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 2018 Semi Final | 11 Jul 2018 | Croatia 2-1 England | Luzhniki |
| Nations League 2022-23 | 26 Sep 2022 | England 0-1 Croatia | Wembley |
| Nations League 2022-23 | 14 Jun 2023 | Croatia 2-3 England | Split |
| Euro 2024 Group | 13 Jun 2024 | England 0-0 Croatia | Berlin |
Goalscorers in recent meetings include Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Ivan Perisic. Modric has not scored in the last four meetings.
UEFA Nations League stats and form guide for both teams: England have 2 goals for and 1 against in the group so far. Croatia have 3 for and 2 against. Possession averages 58% for England and 54% for Croatia.
Team News, Predicted Lineups and Injuries
England predicted XI is unchanged from the last international window. Harry Kane is fit and training fully. Phil Foden returns after illness.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Walker; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Croatia predicted XI sees Luka Modric start in a deep playmaker role. Andrej Kramaric leads the line. Josko Gvardiol is fit.
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Barisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric, Budimir.
Key absences for England are Bukayo Saka? No, Saka is fit. Declan Rice is available. For Croatia, Mario Pasalic is suspended.
Form Guide and Key Players to Watch
England recent results are W-D-W in Nations League and friendlies. xG is 1.8 per game. Defensive shape improved under Thomas Tuchel.
Croatia recent results are D-L-W. They beat Portugal 2-1 at home last month. They lost 3-0 to Spain.
Players to watch: Kane for finishing. Bellingham for box to box impact. Modric for tempo control. Kramaric for movement.
Prediction and Betting Odds
Match prediction based on form and head to head is a narrow England win. Croatia’s home support is strong. England’s away record is solid.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| England Win | 2.40 |
| Draw | 3.30 |
| Croatia Win | 3.00 |
What result means for Nations League group: a win puts England top. A Croatia win puts Croatia level on points with England. A draw keeps England ahead on goal difference.
Live Updates and Post Match Reaction
Where to follow live commentary and minute by minute updates is BBC Sport Live and ITV Sport website. Hots Insight will provide post match stats.
Post match stats, highlights and player ratings will be published within 30 minutes of full time on official broadcaster platforms.
💡 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 CEST, 18:45 BST.
- Q: How can I watch England vs Croatia live in the UK?
- A: Live on ITV1 free-to-air and streaming on ITVX. BBC Radio 5 Live provides audio commentary.
- Q: What is at stake in this Nations League fixture?
- A: England sit second on 4 points, Croatia third on 3 points. A win moves the winner clear of the drop zone and strengthens quarter-final qualification.
- Q: Who are the key players to watch?
- A: Harry Kane leads England’s attack versus Croatia’s midfield anchor Luka Modric, 40, in the central Kane vs Modric narrative.
Extended Reading
Coverage reference points include BBC Sport live page for Croatia v England on 3 October 2026, The Guardian guide on how to watch Nations League Croatia v England, and Al Jazeera preview on Kane, Modric, teams and form ahead of the fixture. Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. Founded in 2026, we are an independent digital publication committed to clarity, context, and thoughtful journalism.