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England are aiming for back-to-back Nations League wins when they take on Croatia behind closed doors in Rijeka on Saturday evening.
The Three Lions beat 10-men Czech Republic 2-0 on their travels last time out, giving them three points from their opening two games.
Meanwhile, Croatia were defeated 4-1 in Spain, and also have three points from their first two matches.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Croatia vs. England key stats
- Croatia are unbeaten in nine home games (W8, D1).
- England have won their last eight away matches.
- England have won the previous three H2Hs.
Croatia vs. England preview: Three Lions to take three points?
Croatia vs England — Tale of the Tape
| Croatia | vs | England |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 2nd |
| 3 | Points | 3 |
| 3 | Goals For | 4 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 2nd (H) | Home / Away Rank | 1st (A) |
Slaven Bilic made a positive start to his return to managing Croatia, beating Czech Republic 2-1 away from home.
However, they were humbled by Spain last time out, and face another tough test against England, who beat them 4-2 at the World Cup.
Although they are at home, they are playing behind closed doors after UEFA sanctions from 2025, so may suffer without a home crowd behind them.
Martin Erlic, Josip Juranovic and Josip Stanisic all missed Croatia's defeat to Spain, and so remain doubts for this one.
Nico O'Reilly missed England's win over Czech Republic through injury, and has since returned to Manchester City.
Ezri Konsa also missed the game and so remains a doubt, but Thomas Tuchel still has a strong squad to choose from.
Realistically, the Three Lions must win here to keep the pressure on Spain at the top of the group, and they will fancy their chances given their strong away form.
England (fourth) are ranked nine places above Croatia (13th) in the FIFA World Rankings, so come into this as favourites.
Croatia vs. England form guide & betting tips
| Croatia | vs | England |
|---|---|---|
WWLWL |
Form | WLWLW |
| 7 | Goals For | 13 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 10 |
WL |
Nations League | LW |
Whispers predicts: Croatia 1-3 England
England are favourites with bookies, and given their brilliant away record of late and the fact they are playing behind closed doors, England to win at 10/11 (1.91) appeals as an opening bet.
Over 3.5 goals at 15/8 (2.88) is our next pick, having come through in their World Cup clash and also in matches involving both teams in the Nations League.
Anthony Gordon is in fine form having scored in both Nations League fixtures for England so far, so Gordon to score anytime at 3/1 (4.00) could also be worth backing.
Overall, we are predicting a 3-1 England victory, which is available at 14/1 (15.00).
> England to win at 1.91 | Likelihood: High
> Over 3.5 goals at 2.88 | Likelihood: Medium
> Gordon to score anytime at 4.00 | Likelihood: Medium