Full Breakdown
England’s Nations League Push: Czechia Victory and Croatia Showdown
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
The 2026-27 UEFA Nations League groups feature England, Croatia, Spain and Czechia in Group A3. England entered the campaign with a 3-2 loss to Spain and a 2-0 win over Czechia in Prague. Their previous encounter with Croatia was a 4-2 World Cup group-stage win on June 17, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.
Recent Match: England 2–0 Czechia (September 29, 2026)
In Prague’s Fortuna Arena, England recovered after Czech defender Pavel Sulc was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Elliot Anderson. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring two minutes after the restart, heading Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross past goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Harry Kane added a second in the 69th minute, sweeping a loose ball into the far corner after a scramble involving Morgan Rogers and Ladislav Krejci.
Thomas Tuchel praised the second-half performance as “very professional” and noted the need for more dynamism after the early red card.
Key statistics: Gordon’s goal was his first for England; Kane’s strike was his 87th international goal, taking his 2026 tally to nine. The win gave England their first Nations League victory of the campaign, improving the group record to one win and one loss.
Upcoming Clash: England vs Croatia (October 3, 2026)
The next Group A3 fixture pits England against Croatia at the Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, kick-off 6 p.m. local time (16:00 GMT). England will be without left-back Nico O’Reilly (injury) and will likely line up Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall and a yet-to-be-confirmed right-back. Croatia miss centre-back Martin Erlic (injured) and right-back Josip Juranovic (illness).
Midfield will see England’s Elliot Anderson and Miles Lewis-Skelly against Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. Striking partnerships: England’s Harry Kane with Anthony Gordon; Croatia’s Luka Modric with Ivan Perišic.
Pre-match analysis suggests England will exploit space created by Alexander-Arnold’s forward runs, while Croatia aim to use Modric’s experience to control possession.
Data & Statistics
- England’s Nations League record: 1 win, 1 loss; goals for 2, goals against 2.
- Czechia match: Gordon (1 goal), Kane (1 goal).
- Gordon: top assist provider this season (5 assists for Barcelona).
- Kane: 87 international goals, 9 in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Thomas Tuchel emphasized the need for “more dynamism” after the Czechia win.
Timeline
- June 17, 2026 – England defeat Croatia 4-2 at the World Cup in Arlington, Texas.
- September 29, 2026 – England beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague (Nations League).
- October 3, 2026 – England vs Croatia scheduled at Rujevica Stadium, Rijeka.
What’s Next
England’s immediate challenge is the October 3 encounter with Croatia, a match that could decide the group leader ahead of the final round. Croatia will also face Spain on September 30, 2026, in Seville. Both fixtures will be broadcast across multiple regions, including ITV1 in the United Kingdom and FOX Sports in the United States.