Full Breakdown
Slaven Bilic’s Second Tenure Begins with a Nations League Test Against England
By Drooid · · How we work
Background to Bilic’s Two Stints
Slaven Bilic first managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, guiding the side to a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley in a Euro 2008 qualifier and to the quarter-finals of that tournament. After a period away from the national team, he was reappointed shortly after the 2026 World Cup. His club résumé includes a successful 2015/16 season with West Ham United that delivered a seventh-place Premier League finish, Europa League qualification and a memorable 3-2 win over Manchester United in the final match at the Boleyn Ground. Subsequent roles took him to Al-Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford and Al-Fateh before his return to the Croatian helm.
Recent Form and Tactical Vision
Croatia opened Bilic’s second spell with a 2-1 win in Prague against the Czech Republic, the first goal scored by 41-year-old Luka Modric, who embraced his manager after the match. The team then suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Spain, where teenager Lamine Yamal netted a brace. Bilic has outlined a shift from the under-dog, counter-attacking style of his predecessor Zlatko Dalic to a more aggressive, high-pressing approach.
Data & Statistics
- Recent results: 2-1 win vs Czech Republic; 4-1 loss vs Spain.
- Veteran core: Luka Modric, Ivan Perišic, Mateo Kovacic.
- Former West Ham players in the squad: Nikola Vlašic (31 appearances, 1 goal in 2021/22).
Why It Matters
The upcoming Nations League clash with England in Rijeka pits Bilic’s revitalised Croatia against a side that recently lost 3-2 to Spain but rebounded with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. A victory would echo the historic 2007 Wembley triumph and could signal the effectiveness of Bilic’s high-press philosophy against top-tier opposition. Conversely, a poor result may highlight the challenges of relying on an ageing core while integrating younger talent.
Official Statements & Responses
Bilic emphasized the importance of experience blended with youth: “The Croatia national team has changed — you can see that from its success. That is one of the reasons why I agreed to become head coach: there is a belief that it is possible, given the clubs our players play for. We have a good mix of youth and experience, and that is very important.” He also praised Modric’s influence, stating, “Luka is everything to us, he’s just incredible.”
What’s Next
Croatia’s next assignment is the Nations League match against England in Rijeka on Saturday. The outcome will provide an early indicator of whether Bilic’s high-press, attack-oriented system can succeed against a traditionally strong English side.