Croatia have already conceded seven goals to England once this autumn. Unfortunately for Slaven Bilić, UEFA has decided they should have another go.

Thursday night’s Nations League meeting at Wembley comes just a month after Thomas Tuchel’s side dismantled Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka. It was the sort of result that usually gets a manager sacked, a national inquiry launched or both.

Instead, Bilić must somehow convince his players that facing the same opposition away from home is an opportunity to put things right.

England, meanwhile, have plenty to play for.

The Three Lions have won three consecutive Nations League matches since losing 3-2 to Spain in September. They sit second in League A Group 3, three points behind the European champions, with a trip to Madrid still to come.

A point against Croatia would secure England’s place in the quarter-finals. Victory would also keep alive their hopes of overtaking Spain and finishing top of the group.

Harry Kane has another reason to enjoy the occasion.

The England captain is set to make his 126th international appearance, moving ahead of Peter Shilton to become the country’s most-capped men’s player. Having already scored four times against Croatia across their two meetings in 2026, he could hardly have asked for a more inviting opponent.

Croatia arrive in considerably worse shape.

Bilić’s side have lost three consecutive Nations League matches, conceding 14 goals in four group fixtures. Their most recent outing ended in a 2-1 defeat against Spain, with Ivan Perišić sent off.

The visitors are also missing several established internationals through injury, leaving 41-year-old Luka Modrić facing another difficult evening against an energetic England midfield.

England are overwhelming favourites, but that doesn’t mean the betting selections have to consist of three different ways of backing a routine home victory.

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What are the best betting tips for England vs Croatia?

England -2 Asian handicap

England’s 7-0 victory in Rijeka was an extraordinary result, but it wasn’t an isolated example of Croatia’s defensive problems.

Bilić’s side have conceded 14 goals in four Nations League matches, including four away to Spain. Their defence has struggled with pace, movement and opponents attacking the space between their centre-backs.

England have scored 14 goals themselves, the highest total in the competition, and possess several players capable of exploiting those weaknesses.

Anthony Gordon’s direct running should stretch Croatia’s back line, while Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers offer a threat from deeper positions.

The England -2 Asian handicap is a more ambitious selection than a straightforward home victory. England must win by at least three goals for the bet to win, while a two-goal victory returns the stake.

A repeat of last month’s seven-goal demolition is unlikely, but England have enough attacking quality to win comfortably again.

Harry Kane to score 2+ goals

There are few better ways for Kane to celebrate becoming England’s record appearance holder than adding another couple of goals to his international tally.

The Bayern Munich striker scored twice against Croatia at the World Cup in June and followed that with another brace during October’s 7-0 victory.

That’s four goals in two appearances against Thursday’s opponents in 2026.

Kane’s penalty-taking responsibilities provide another route to goal, particularly against a Croatian defence that has repeatedly struggled when opponents enter the penalty area.

This is considerably more demanding than backing him to score once, and England’s attacking options mean goals could be shared around.

However, if Tuchel’s side dominate as expected, Kane should receive enough opportunities to make another brace a realistic possibility.

Jude Bellingham to score or assist

Bellingham has been particularly effective against Croatia this year, registering two goals and three assists across the previous two meetings.

His ability to arrive late in the penalty area makes him difficult to track, especially when Kane drops deeper and draws defenders away from their positions.

Croatia’s midfield still contains considerable experience, but Modrić and Mateo Kovačić could struggle to match England’s energy over 90 minutes.

Bellingham should also benefit from Gordon’s movement on the left and England’s ability to attack quickly after recovering possession.

Combining a Bellingham goal contribution with an England victory offers a more interesting bet-builder angle than another short-priced individual selection.

It does rely on Bellingham being directly involved in a goal, but his recent performances against Croatia provide a strong argument for the market.

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How to watch England vs Croatia

• Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026

• Kick-off: 7:45 pm GMT

• Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A Group 3

• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

• UK TV: ITV1 and STV

• UK streaming: ITVX and STV Player

• USA: Check local UEFA Nations League listings

• Canada: Check local UEFA Nations League listings

ITV’s coverage is scheduled to begin at 7 pm GMT.

England predicted lineup and team news

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Branthwaite, Hall; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Thomas Tuchel has several defensive problems to address. Marc Guéhi has withdrawn with a hip injury, while Ezri Konsa is unavailable against Croatia because of a knee problem. Jarrad Branthwaite could partner Jarell Quansah, with Dan Burn providing another option.

Bukayo Saka is sidelined, and England are also without Noni Madueke. Morgan Rogers could therefore operate from the right, although Rio Ngumoha is another option. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended.

Declan Rice returns to the midfield picture alongside Elliot Anderson, while Jude Bellingham should occupy the number 10 position behind Kane.

The England captain is expected to make his 126th appearance, surpassing Peter Shilton’s record. Jobe Bellingham and Josh King are among those hoping to make their senior international debuts.

Croatia predicted lineup and team news

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Livaković; Stanišić, Vušković, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Vlašić, Mario Pašalić, Baturina; Budimir.

Slaven Bilić has been forced into several changes following Croatia’s disappointing October international fixtures.

Ivan Perišić is suspended after receiving two yellow cards against Spain. Josip Šutalo, Martin Pongračić, Kristijan Jakić, Andrej Kramarić and Franjo Ivanović have also withdrawn through injury.

Martin Baturina could replace Perišić on the left, while Nikola Vlašić and Mario Pašalić are expected to provide support for Ante Budimir.

Luka Modrić remains central to Croatia’s plans at 41. The captain should partner Mateo Kovačić in midfield, although Bilić may consider managing his minutes ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Czechia.

England vs Croatia stats

• England are second in Nations League Group A3 with nine points from four matches.

• Spain lead the group with 12 points.

• England need just one point from their remaining two matches to secure quarter-final qualification.

• The Three Lions have won three consecutive Nations League fixtures.

• England have scored 14 goals in four group matches, averaging 3.5 per game.

• Tuchel’s side have conceded only three goals in the competition.

• England have kept three consecutive Nations League clean sheets.

• England defeated Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on 3 October.

• Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice in that victory.

• England also defeated Croatia 4-2 at the 2026 World Cup.

• Kane has scored four goals against Croatia across their two meetings this year.

• Jude Bellingham has contributed two goals and three assists against Croatia in 2026.

• Croatia have conceded 14 goals in four Nations League matches.

• Bilić’s side have lost three consecutive group fixtures.

• Croatia have kept only one clean sheet in their previous 14 matches across all competitions.

• England have won four consecutive meetings with Croatia.

• Kane is set to make his 126th England appearance, breaking the men’s national record.

England vs Croatia prediction

Tuchel’s side have every reason to approach Thursday’s encounter with confidence, although another seven-goal victory would be an extraordinary achievement.

Croatia’s defensive record is alarming, and the absence of several established players makes their task even more difficult.

Bilić will almost certainly demand a more disciplined performance than the one produced in Rijeka. Croatia may defend deeper, restrict space between the lines and attempt to frustrate England during the opening stages.

However, that approach could invite sustained pressure.

England’s attacking options are particularly well suited to breaking down a compact defence. Gordon can attack from wide positions, Bellingham can find space around the penalty area, and Kane remains one of the most reliable finishers in international football.

The hosts also have an advantage in midfield. Rice and Anderson should provide the energy needed to disrupt Croatia’s attempts to build through Modrić and Kovačić.

Croatia possess enough experience to avoid another complete collapse, but their recent results suggest England should create plenty of opportunities.

Tuchel’s side have a quarter-final place to secure and a potential group decider against Spain to prepare for. Another convincing Wembley victory would be an ideal way to approach Sunday’s trip to Madrid.

Score prediction: England 4-0 Croatia

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