England v Croatia LIVE: Team news and latest updates with fans banned from Nations League clash

Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane were on target in a 2-0 win against Czech Republic last time out.

It was England’s sixth win in their last eight Nations League matches (two defeats) across the top two tiers where they have scored 20 goals in that span.

That is more victories and goals than they managed in their first 18 games in the competition overall.

A blistering second-half performance saw Thomas Tuchel’s side overcome Croatia 4-2 in their opening game at the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions also beat Croatia in their first match at Euro 2020 under Gareth Southgate.

But, previously and famously, they lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and will remember how dangerous a side Croatia can be on their day.

England have faced Croatia on 12 occasions and emerged victorious last time out as they won 4-2 in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

The Three Lions have seven wins, two draws and three defeats in those 12 meetings and have faced Croatia twice before in the Nations League.

Also in the build-up to today’s match, Tuchel spoke about Bukayo Saka and how he impressed during the match against Czech Republic.

“I felt him more involved, and felt he was more dangerous at the start of the season – and still I think there is some level still to come when he plays for England,” the manager said.

“He knows it but he feels good, he feels the trust, he knows the position, he is confident enough, he is experienced enough to unlock the next level for him.

“He knows it, we know it and he has my full trust and support. And there is a big chance he starts again. If he’s available we go again.”

Thomas Tuchel admitted that this England camp can be an opportunity for Trent Alexander-Arnold to stake a claim to be a regular starter if he can buy into the direction the manager wants to take the team.

Alexander-Arnold has not been a regular for England and Tuchel was asked whether he is approaching a ‘now or never’ situation.

“Good question. Maybe, maybe a little bit. You always have the chance, I would say,” he said.

“Once you are in camp it’s a big opportunity if other players are not here. You can impress and mark your territory and show his true capacity that no one’s doubting.

“That’s maybe the challenge for Trent: to buy a little bit into a new idea and a bit out of his comfort zone. But he’s trying and it’s never too late to prove a point.”

The England boss also addressed the question of whether he would still select players who play for Man City if the club are kicked out of the Premier League.

“There’s always a possibility,” he said. “I think I will always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament, and I will never rule out that they don’t play in the top flight in their country.

“So you need to look at this case by case.”

Thomas Tuchel says he and his players have discussed the topic of Manchester City’s rule breaches and guilty verdict but he admitted he did not know if the ongoing saga would distract the players who are at the club.

“Are they worried or like are they concerned?” Tuchel said of the likes of Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson.

“I think that would be a very human reaction if you don’t know what’s going on for the club that you signed.

“They’re still young. They’re ambitious. They’re told they are totally innocent and don’t know what’s going on.

“So yeah, I think it is a subject.

“If it’s a distraction, I don’t know. It’s the honest answer, but it is of course a topic and we speak about.”

City face an uncertain future after an independent panel found them guilty of severe financial breaches, though they have appealed, claiming to hold “irrefutable evidence” of their innocence.

The issue has unfolded during the international window, with City members Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly featuring in the England squad.

While O’Reilly has returned home injured, Tuchel acknowledged it is natural for City’s players to feel concern over the club’s plight.

Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly withdrew from the England squad earlier this week, leaving Lewis Hall likely to continue at left-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed with an assist against the Czech Republic and will contend for a place again on the right of the back four, while Jordan Pickford will displace James Trafford in goal.

Alex Scott could earn a first start.

Predicted England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Scott; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.