Croatia and England Prepare for High-Stakes UEFA Nations League Clash Led by Modric and Kane

Croatia legend Luka Modric and England captain Harry Kane are set to clash in Saturday's crucial UEFA Nations League Group A3 match at the Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, Croatia. Both teams enter matchday three seeking momentum after enduring mixed starts in a challenging pool that also features Spain and the Czechia.

Captain Harry Kane has led from the front for the Three Lions, excelling alongside winger Anthony Gordon, while Luka Modric continues to defy age, maintaining a vital role in Croatia’s midfield.

How Have Croatia and England Played?

Both nations enter this fixture with a record of one win and one defeat. Croatia opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia in Prague before suffering a 4-1 defeat against Spain in Seville. England began with a 3-2 loss to Spain in London before securing a 2-0 win against Czechia in Prague.

Head-to-Head and Recent Meeting

The two sides last met at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, where England triumphed 4-2. In total, they have faced each other 12 times, with Croatia winning 3, England claiming 7 victories, and 2 matches ending in a draw.

Players to Watch

For Croatia, evergreen midfielder Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic continue to pull the strings. For England, the dynamic partnership of Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane poses a significant threat to the opposition defense.

Team News and Probable Lineups

Croatia will be without injured centre-back Martin Erlic and ill right-back Josip Juranovic.

Probable Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Beljo

England travel without left-back Nico O’Reilly, who withdrew due to injury.

Probable England XI: James Trafford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall; Elliot Anderson, Miles Lewis-Skelly; Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane