Nations League 2026/27: England vs Croatia Prediction

England will look to secure their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals when they welcome Croatia to Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening.

ALSO READ: Thomas Tuchel vs Cole Palmer: Where Did The England Fallout Begin?

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been in outstanding form since their opening defeat to Spain, winning three consecutive Nations League matches and establishing themselves as one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams.

The Three Lions will enter Thursday’s encounter as overwhelming favourites, having demolished Croatia 7-0 in the reverse fixture in October. Another victory would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages and keep the pressure on group leaders Spain.

For Croatia, the challenge is considerably greater. Slaven Bilic’s side have lost three consecutive Nations League matches and will be desperate to restore some pride following their humiliating defeat on home soil.

Betting Preview

England have responded impressively to their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final exit, with Tuchel seemingly finding the right balance between attacking freedom and defensive discipline.

Following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Spain in their Nations League opener, England recorded back-to-back victories over Czechia before producing an extraordinary seven-goal performance against Croatia.

The Three Lions have scored 14 goals in four Nations League matches while conceding just three, demonstrating their attacking quality and growing defensive stability.

Harry Kane remains central to England’s ambitions. The Bayern Munich striker has scored six goals in the competition and could make history on Thursday by becoming England’s most-capped men’s international, surpassing Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances.

However, Tuchel will once again be without Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, whose omission has attracted considerable attention. Manchester City defender Marc Guéhi has also withdrawn through injury, with Newcastle United’s Dan Burn called up as his replacement.

Despite those absences, England possess more than enough quality to trouble Croatia, with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers among Tuchel’s attacking and midfield options.

Croatia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult Nations League campaign. Their opening 2-1 victory over Czechia was followed by defeats against Spain, England and Spain again.

The visitors have struggled defensively, conceding 14 goals across their opening four matches. Their problems are compounded by the suspension of Ivan Perisic and injuries affecting several players, including Josip Sutalo and Andrej Kramaric.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric remains Croatia’s most influential figure, but the 41-year-old faces a difficult task against England’s energetic midfield.

With Kane chasing history and England looking to maintain their winning momentum ahead of Sunday’s crucial meeting with Spain, the hosts should have more than enough quality to claim all three points.

Recent Form & Stats

• England have won three consecutive Nations League matches since losing 3-2 to Spain.
  
• The Three Lions have scored 14 goals and conceded three in their opening four group matches.
  
• England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in their previous meeting on 3 October.
  
• Tuchel’s side have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
  
• Harry Kane has scored six Nations League goals this campaign.
  
• England need just one point from their remaining two group matches to guarantee a quarter-final place.
  
• Croatia have lost three consecutive Nations League matches.
  
• The visitors have conceded 14 goals in four group fixtures.
  
• Bilic’s side have managed just one clean sheet in their previous 14 matches across all competitions.
  
• Croatia have lost their last four meetings with England.

Best Bets & Prediction

Prediction: England to win at 1.25.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 total goals at 2.18.

Value Bet: England to win & over 3.5 total goals at 2.40.