England vs Croatia prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, November 12, 2026
On November 12, 2026, England and Croatia will meet in the fifth round of League A in the UEFA Nations League. The hosts are focused on one thing: winning.
England vs Croatia: team news and expert analysis
England finished third at the World Cup. But they made a disappointing start to the Nations League campaign: after taking a 2-1 lead, they missed the chance to extend it (Kane failed to convert a penalty) and ultimately lost 3-2 at home to Spain. They then beat the Czechs twice and thrashed their current opponents 7-0, keeping clean sheets in all three matches.
Croatia failed to reach the knockout stages of the European Championship two years ago. This summer, they were knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 32 after a limp 2-1 defeat to Portugal. Dalić was then replaced by Bilić, whose second spell in charge began with a win over the Czechs. But Croatia have since lost three times—to England and in both matches against Spain.
England are currently scoring 3.0 goals per game and conceding 1.3. Modrić and his teammates are scoring 1.2 goals per game but conceding exactly twice as many, at 2.4.
Previous matches: England vs Croatia
The hosts have won all four of the last meetings.
That is unlikely to change this time. Tuchel's side should win again, with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.74).
England vs Croatia: key stats and trends
- England have won eight of their last ten matches
- Both teams have scored in 60% of England's matches, with an average of 4.3 total goals per game
- Croatia have lost four of their last five matches
- Both teams have scored in 70% of Croatia's matches, with an average of 3.6 total goals per game
England vs Croatia: likely starting lineups
England are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Pickford — Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Burn, Hall — Anderson, Lewis-Skelly — Rogers, Bellingham, Eze — Kane. Guehi is injured.
Croatia are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Livaković — Stanišić, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol — Kovačić, Jakić — Vlašić, Modrić, Perišić — Matanović.
Keep an eye on the UEFA Nations League standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
