Croatia host England behind closed doors in this UEFA Nations League Group A3 clash in Rijeka, with both sides knowing three points are a near necessity if they are to have any realistic hopes of claiming top spot in the group.These two nations meet just under four months after the Three Lions claimed a 4-2 victory over the Checkered Ones in their opening group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThomas Tuchel’s England bounce into this fixture following a 2-0 away victory against Czechia to recover from an opening 3-2 defeat to Spain, whereas Slaven Bilić’s Croatia look to rebound after suffering a 4-1 loss against the world champions.##NAJAVA_MECA_9997243##With England aiming to extend a strong competitive away run and Croatia boasting formidable home form, an intriguing battle awaits at Stadion HNK Rijeka.Kick-off: 7:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Saturday 03 SeptemberVenue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, RijekaGroup: UEFA Nations League (League A, Group 3)Current standings: Both sides have won one and lost one of their opening two matches, trailing group leaders Spain.Imagine Man City get relegated: what will happen to Haaland and rest of stars?Qualification implications: A victory is crucial for either team to keep pace with Spain at the summit of Group A3 to push for top spot and a place in the UNL finals.Form GuideCroatia ❌ Loss vs Spain (4-1) ✅ Win vs Czech Republic (2-1) ❌ Loss vs Portugal (2-1) ✅ Win vs Ghana (2-1) ✅ Win vs Panama (1-0)England ✅ Win vs Czech Republic (2-0) ❌ Loss vs Spain (3-2) ✅ Win vs France (4-6) ❌ Loss vs Argentina (1-2) ✅ Win vs Norway (1-2 AET)Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)✅ England 4-2 Croatia (2026 World Cup)✅ England 1-0 Croatia (2020 Euros)✅ England 2-1 Croatia (2018 Nations League)➖ Croatia 0-0 England (2018 Nations League)❌ Croatia 2-1 England (2018 World Cup – AET)##NAJAVA_MECA_9995890##Team NewsCroatia❌ Josip Juranović – Injury (withdrawn from squad).❌ Martin Erlić – Hamstring strain (withdrawn from squad).❌ Josip Stanišić – Injured.England❌ Nico O'Reilly – Injury (withdrawn from squad).🟡 Ezri Konsa – Minor fitness concern, subject to assessment.🟢 Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford – Fully available and expected to start.Jesus' kiss of death: Portugal boss claims 'no regrets' over benching RonaldoPlayer to Watch: Dion Beljo (Croatia)Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Beljo enters this high-stakes clash in blistering goalscoring form for both club and country.The 24-year-old center-forward has netted five goals across his last four appearances, most recently grabbing Croatia's lone goal in their match against Spain.With four of his recent five goals arriving between the 20th and 30th minute, Beljo represents Croatia’s primary early attacking threat. His height, physical presence, and sharp movement inside the penalty area will give England's central defense a stern test in Rijeka.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Over 1.5 Goals🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)England to Win and Both Teams to ScoreDisclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.