Croatia to host England at Stadion HNK Rijeka in UEFA Nations League group match on October 3
Croatia will host England at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 3 in their third group-stage match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27, with both teams seeking points in the early phase of the competition. The fixture pits a home side recovering from a heavy loss against an England side coming off a win in the tournament.
Croatia arrive after a 1-4 defeat to world champions Spain in their previous Nations League outing, a match in which they conceded an early goal, drew level briefly, then fell behind again within three minutes and allowed two further second-half strikes; the team is managed by Slaven Bilić. England lost their opening group match to Spain but responded with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, a win in which Thomas Tuchel’s men controlled the tempo and kept a clean sheet. The report notes England defeated Luka Modrić’s Croatia at the 2026 World Cup and will seek a similar outcome in Rijeka.
Ivan Perišić was singled out as one of Croatia’s more consistent performers in the 1-4 loss to Spain, providing a crucial assist and working strongly on the left flank despite not scoring. The article records his age as 37 and states he will aim for another strong showing for the hosts.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England against Czechia and led several attacking metrics in that match: he created the most chances (4), took the most shots (4) and registered the most touches (11) inside the opposition box, with the piece identifying him as a 25-year-old winger. The article reproduces a fan post of the moment with the exact line: Trent’s delivery 🤝 Gordon’s finish pic.twitter.com/ISWwsfQhyi.
All remaining squad members for both Croatia and England are reported fit for selection. The Croatia players listed are: Livakovic (GK); Smolcic, Sutalo, Pngracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Pasalic, Sucic, Perisic; Beljo. The England lineup provided reads: Trafford (GK); Trent, Chalobah, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Preview commentary in the source states Croatia will be at home but facing a difficult assignment, while England, described as in good touch after their win over the Czech Republic, are predicted to be likely to secure another victory in the Nations League fixture. The article presents that expectation without additional qualification.
The match is scheduled for October 3 at the Stadion HNK; broadcasting information given lists India coverage on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV and USA coverage on FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX. The piece adds that fans can stream matches via the SonyLIV app and website and directs readers to follow Khel Now on social platforms or use its mobile apps for updates.
