Rijeka’s Rujevica Stadium will bring England back to the Adriatic on Saturday, with Croatia waiting in a Nations League meeting that has already taken on the shape of an early Group A3 crossroads. Spain have made the fastest start, winning both of their opening matches, while the two sides meeting in Croatia each sit on three points.
The match is scheduled for 3 October 2026, kicking off at 13:00 Brasília time, with German referee Sven Jablonski appointed. For viewers in Brazil, Sportv and Disney+ will carry the game.
Croatia’s campaign has contained sharply contrasting evenings. Slaven Bilic’s side began with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, before Spain left with a 4-1 victory in the following round. England have also been beaten by the Spanish, losing 3-2 at Wembley, but travelled into this fixture after a more controlled 2-0 success against the Czechs.
A test of depth for Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel must plan without Nico O’Reilly, who has withdrawn from the England squad through injury. Ezri Konsa remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a muscular complaint. Jude Bellingham, however, is fit to be considered after what proved to be only discomfort in England’s previous match.
England are expected to have Harry Kane leading the line, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon offering support from the wider areas. Bellingham could operate behind the captain, while Elliot Anderson and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in line to form the central base.
Bilic’s Croatia retain the familiar experience of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic, alongside a younger defensive group that could include Luka Vuskovic. Ante Budimir is expected to lead the hosts’ attack, with Martin Baturina nearby.
Expected teams in Rijeka
Croatia are likely to select Dominik Livakovic; Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol; Josip Stanisic, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Petar Sucic, Ivan Perisic; Martin Baturina and Ante Budimir.
England’s probable side is James Trafford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall; Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
