England to host Croatia at Wembley in fifth UEFA Nations League 2026-27 group match

England will meet Croatia at Wembley Stadium in their fifth group-stage fixture of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27, with the game following England’s recovery from an opening defeat. England lost their opening match of the competition to the World Champions, Spain, but have won their next three games.

England have conceded three goals so far in the Nations League campaign, and those goals came against La Roja; they have recorded dominant wins against Croatia and Czechia during the group. The Three Lions will be aiming to finish top of the group, with home advantage cited as a potential benefit for the hosts.

Croatia began the Nations League with a win over Czechia but have since lost three successive matches, a run that has left them with two goals scored and 13 conceded. Slaven Bilić’s side travel to Wembley facing the added challenge of an away fixture, and the report suggests that a calmer, more composed approach could help the Vatreni in this match.

Harry Kane is the competition’s leading scorer with six goals in just four games for England, and he is expected to play a key role in the attacking phase while also contributing to midfield control. The 33-year-old striker’s goalscoring form has been central to England’s three successive victories in the Nations League.

Croatia’s most experienced player has again been called up for the national team, with Luka Modric featuring on the squad list; Modric has 206 caps and 30 goals for his country. The former Real Madrid midfielder’s presence in Croatia’s engine room is described in the report as important for the visitors against the Three Lions.

The fixture at Wembley is part of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 group stage and will represent England’s fifth group match, with the result carrying implications for England’s bid to top the group.