Croatia vs England is still officially a behind-closed-doors game, but around 3,000 schoolchildren are expected to be allowed into HNK Rijeka Stadium. UEFA rules say children under 14 can attend such matches free of charge, so the crowd will be far from the usual no-one-in-the-stands image. The sanction remains in place after crowd disturbances before and during Croatia’s defeat against France in Paris last year.
Rijeka's crowd arrangement
UEFA's punishment has not gone away. Croatia must host England without supporters, but the practical reality in Rijeka looks different because the 8,200-capacity stadium is expected to take roughly 3,000 children, with limited complimentary and VIP access also possible.
That is why the match will look unusual rather than deserted. It is still a sanction, just one that will be softened by the schoolchildren in the stands.
England lose Nico O’Reilly
England's other change is less atmospheric and more straightforward. Nico O'Reilly has returned to Manchester City and will play no part in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, with no replacements planned for either the Croatia match in Rijeka or the Czech Republic game at Wembley on Tuesday.
O’Reilly had completed 90 minutes in England’s Nations League opener before suffering an injury in training. The FA's call leaves the squad a touch lighter for a trip that was already going to be awkward enough.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
