England arrive in Rijeka with a cleaner recent response than Croatia, but the groups are still level on three points and the margin is slim. England beat Czechia 2-0 in their last Nations League match before this trip, while Croatia opened with a 2-1 win against Czechia and then lost 4-1 to Spain. That gives Croatia vs England plenty of weight without turning it into a must-win in the dramatic sense.

England's recent edge

England's last two Nations League games tell the story of a side that recovered from a 3-2 defeat to Spain and then beat Czechia 2-0. Croatia's route has been shakier, with the opening win followed by the heavy loss to Spain. In form terms, both teams are listed on 3 points, so the game in Rijeka is still a direct fight for position rather than a dead rubber.

Tuchel's side also come in with a clearer attacking shape. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both been involved, and Tuchel's own view of the front line is plain enough. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia in comments translated from Italian, Thomas Tuchel said: "Tuchel cannot give up Kane, who will be the attacking focal point, behind him Bellingham, who completes the trio in the attacking midfield with Gordon and Saka."

Kane has scored twice in two Nations League appearances this season. Bellingham has one assist in two appearances, and his 7.13 rating fits the idea of a connector rather than the main finisher. That balance is part of why England have looked more controlled since the Spain defeat.

Croatia's midfield threat

Croatia are still the side England have to respect most between the lines. Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić give them the sort of midfield control that can drag a game into Croatia's rhythm if England lose their spacing.

The recent head-to-head also leans England's way. In the five previous meetings, England have three wins to Croatia's one, with one draw, and a 10-6 edge in goals. That history does not settle anything in Rijeka, but it does back the sense that England have handled this matchup better than the table alone might suggest.

Croatia still have enough quality to make this uncomfortable. England's cleaner run after the Spain defeat gives them the better platform, but this is still a test of whether Tuchel's side can keep their attacking balance against a midfield built to slow them down.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →