England’s short summer break will not soften Thomas Tuchel’s approach when the Three Lions meet Croatia in the third round of the Nations League. The two sides arrive level on points in Group A3, with another World Cup-era rivalry set to resume.
Quick facts
- Croatia face England in the third matchday of the Nations League.
- Both teams have three points in Group A3.
- England are second in the group, while Croatia sit third.
- Each side lost to Spain and defeated the Czech Republic.
- England beat Croatia 4-2 in their previous World Cup meeting.
- Harry Kane has recorded three goals and one assist across his last three games against Croatia.
Tuchel has made clear that England will not treat the fixture as an opportunity to rest leading players, despite the limited holiday period following the club campaign. The England coach intends to select his strongest available side.
That keeps Kane at the centre of the contest. England’s captain has repeatedly troubled Croatia, contributing directly to four goals in the teams’ last three meetings.
The group remains tightly poised after two rounds. Spain have beaten both England and Croatia, while the Czech Republic were defeated by each of Saturday’s opponents.
England hold second place and Croatia are one position behind them, but there is nothing between the teams on three points. Their meeting offers an immediate chance to break that deadlock and gain ground in Group A3.
