Croatia vs England prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on October 3, 2026
On October 3, 2026, Croatia and England will face each other in the third round of UEFA Nations League Division A. Even a draw would be a major sensation.
Croatia - England team news and expert analysis
After their disappointing Euro campaign, Croatia managed to qualify directly for the World Cup. There, after losing to England, they defeated both Panama and Ghana, but then meekly surrendered to Portugal in the playoffs. In the current tournament, they opened with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Against Spain, however, they could only score a consolation goal in a heavy defeat.
England were criticized for their timid tactics in the closing stages of the semifinal against Argentina, when they took the lead but eventually lost 2-1. Still, they secured third place by beating France 6-4 in the "consolation final." In the Nations League, they began against Spain. With the score at 2-1, Kane missed a penalty, and the match ended with the visitors completing a comeback to win 3-2. Things were easier against the Czechs: England won 2-0 while playing with a numerical advantage.
Modrić and company score 1.4 goals per game, while conceding roughly the same number — 1.9. The British side averages 2.4 goals scored, but they also concede plenty, allowing 1.5 per match.
Previous matches: Croatia - England
Kane and company are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches and have won their last three in a row.
England are once again expected to win. But we believe this will be an entertaining affair, with "over 2.5 goals" (odds — 1.73).
Croatia - England: key statistics and trends
- Croatia have won three of their last five matches
- 80% of Croatia's matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.3
- England have won nine of their last twelve matches, including their progression past Norway
- 70% of England's matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.9
Croatia - England: possible starting lineups
Croatia play in a 1-4-5-1 formation (possible lineup): Livaković - Smolčić, Pongračić, Gvardiol, Šutalo - Kovačić, Perišić, Pašalić, Petar Sučić, Mišić - Beljo
England play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Trafford - Alexander-Arnold, Chalobah, Guehi, Hall - Anderson, Lewis-Skelly - Saka, Rogers, Gordon - Kane
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's performance in the UEFA Nations League standings
