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England vs Croatia: Wembley showdown offers England chance to strengthen Nations League position
England host Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, 12 November, in a UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 pm GMT, with Thomas Tuchel’s side aiming to build on their impressive recent results against the Croatian national team.
The match is an important test for both sides. England will look to maintain their strong run and move closer to securing progress from the group, while Croatia need a response after a difficult sequence of results.
England arrive in confident form
England’s recent record against Croatia gives the home side reason for optimism. The Three Lions have won their last four meetings with the Vatreni, matching the number of victories they recorded across their first nine encounters.
Their most recent meeting was particularly emphatic. England won 7-0 in Rijeka on 3 October, in the first meeting between the teams in this Nations League campaign.
According to the Football Association, England have scored 14 goals in their first four Nations League matches of the campaign, averaging 3.5 goals per game. The national team have also scored 39 goals across 16 matches in 2026, demonstrating their attacking strength.
Croatia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult run. They have lost their last three matches in all competitions, conceding 13 goals. England will hope to exploit that defensive vulnerability, although Croatia remain an experienced opponent capable of making life difficult for the hosts.
Harry Kane has a chance to make history
One of the main talking points before kick-off is Harry Kane’s potential appearance record.
The England captain is set to earn his 126th cap if selected, moving beyond Peter Shilton’s previous men’s national-team record of 125 appearances. Kane has also scored 91 international goals, making him England’s all-time leading scorer.
His recent performances against Croatia have been especially impressive. He scored twice in the 7-0 Nations League victory in October, and the Football Association reports that he has scored 13 goals for England during 2026.
Kane’s experience, movement and finishing could be decisive again at Wembley.
Head-to-head: England have the advantage
The historical record also favours England. According to the Football Association, the teams have met 13 times, with the Three Lions recording eight wins, two draws and three defeats.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total meetings | 13 |
| England wins | 8 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Croatia wins | 3 |
| Most recent result | Croatia 0-7 England |
Croatia’s only away victory against England came at Wembley in November 2007, when they won 3-2 in a European Championship qualifier.
The recent sequence, however, has been firmly in England’s favour.
What to expect from the match
England will be expected to take the initiative, use their attacking options and make the most of home advantage. Their seven-goal victory in the reverse fixture will naturally increase expectations among supporters.
Croatia need a much more disciplined defensive performance. Limiting the space available to England’s forwards and avoiding early mistakes will be essential if they are to remain competitive.
The psychological element is also significant. England can approach the game with confidence, while Croatia must show that they can respond to their recent setbacks.
The result could have an important influence on the Group A3 picture as the Nations League league phase continues.
Where to watch England vs Croatia
The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm GMT on Thursday, 12 November.
The Football Association lists ITV as the broadcaster for viewers in the United Kingdom. Supporters watching from other countries should check their local UEFA Nations League broadcast arrangements.
Editorial assessment
England have several advantages heading into this fixture: home support, strong recent attacking performances and an impressive record against Croatia. The 7-0 result in Rijeka will give Tuchel’s players confidence, while Harry Kane’s possible appearance record adds another compelling storyline.
However, previous results do not guarantee another comfortable victory. Croatia have the experience to make the contest difficult, particularly if they defend more effectively than they did in October.
Our assessment is that England deserve to be considered favourites, but their priority should be to maintain concentration and secure another important result rather than rely on the previous scoreline.
Official Sources
The Football Association — Match Centre: England v Croatia — Official England match centre
UEFA — England vs Croatia, UEFA Nations League — UEFA match page
Wembley Stadium — England v Croatia, November 2026 — Official Wembley event information
