England travel to Rijeka to face Croatia on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in a UEFA Nations League League A, Group 3 fixture. Thomas Tuchel’s side enters the match at Stadion HNK Rijeka following an opening defeat to Spain and a win over the Czech Republic.
England and Croatia Enter Fixture Level on Points
Both teams head into the fixture level on three points in League A, Group 3 of the UEFA Nations League. Each nation secured a victory against the Czech Republic while dropping matches against Spain across their opening two games. England manager Thomas Tuchel indicated he would field a stronger team in Rijeka due to the perceived difficulty of facing Croatia before resting key names for the upcoming fixture against the Czech Republic. The UEFA match page lists the game as part of the league phase, scheduled at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia.
The Three Lions sit behind Spain by three points in the group after two matches. Tuchel’s squad bounced back with a 2-0 victory in Prague.
Thomas Tuchel Makes Five Changes to Starting XI
England head coach Thomas Tuchel made five changes to his starting XI for the match in Rijeka. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott earns his first senior start after making his international debut off the bench in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Scott partners with Elliot Anderson in midfield, while Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also return to the lineup. Pickford replaces James Trafford in accordance with a plan communicated to both goalkeepers before the Spain match. Anthony Gordon joins Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the attacking unit.
Croatia manager Slaven Bilić names a starting lineup featuring Dominik Livaković in goal, supported by Josip Stanišić, Josip Vušković, Joško Gvardiol, and Ivan Perišić in defense. Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, and Franjo Ivanović occupy the midfield and attacking roles alongside Musa. Luka Modrić wears the captain’s armband for the hosts, with the 41-year-old midfielder having previously scored in a 2-1 win over Czechia.
Cole Palmer also dropped out of the squad prior to the first game against Spain.
Historical Context and Bilić Second Era
Bilić previously led Croatia to qualify for two European Championships during his initial tenure between 2006 and 2012, which included a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley in November 2007 that prevented the Three Lions from reaching Euro 2008. Bilić’s return follows managerial stints in the Saudi Pro League, Chinese Super League, West Brom, and Watford.
England holds a favorable recent record against their hosts, having won their last three encounters, including a 4-2 victory at the FIFA World Cup during the summer. Harry Kane enters the fixture with four goal contributions in the last three head-to-head meetings against the Vatreni, alongside an active scoring streak of finding the net in five consecutive appearances for club and country.
ITV Broadcasts Match Live on October 3
The fixture kicks off at 5:00 p.m. BST (6:00 p.m. CEST) on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Stadion HNK Rijeka. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match televised live on ITV.