England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

FootballSports
4 Oct 2026 • 2:20 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

England ran riot on a shocking Croatia side after sweeping home seven to no reply in their Nations League clash in front of a crowd mostly made up of schoolchildren.

The Three Lions snatched a lead inside 10 minutes as Harry Kane tucked home, with England capitalising on a mistake from Josko Gvardiol, before Jude Bellingham gave the visitors breathing space.

Anthony Gordon then continued his hot streak to make it four goals in as many England appearances, with Jarell Quansah emulating the assisting heroics of Trent Alexander-Arnold against Czech Republic to put it on a plate for the Barcelona man.

England were out of sight before the interval as Bukayo Saka bagged his country’s fourth on the brink of half-time, but Thomas Tuchel’s side did not let up after the restart. Kane added a second to his personal tally for the night before Saka did the same, with another laughable defensive error by Croatia gifting England a sixth, before Morgan Rogers made it seven.

Follow all of the latest from the Nations League clash with our live blog below:

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Croatia v England LIVE

  • REPORT: England put seven past shambolic Croatia to show secret to success under Thomas Tuchel
  • 87' GOAL! Rogers adds seventh off the bench (CRO 0-7 ENG)
  • 68' GOAL! Saka has a second as England rack up the goals (CRO 0-6 ENG)
  • 53' GOAL! Kane prods home England's fifth (CRO 0-5 ENG)
  • 45' GOAL! Saka scores easy tap in as England run rampant (CRO 0-4 ENG)
  • 39' GOAL! Gordon scores header as England move out of sight (CRO 0-3 ENG)
  • 21' GOAL! Bellingham pokes in a second for visitors (CRO 0-2 ENG)
  • 8' GOAL! Kane fires England into the lead (CRO 0-1 ENG)

England put seven past shambolic Croatia to show secret to success under Thomas Tuchel

19:19 , Mike Jones

England produced one of their most dominant performances in recent years as they dismantled Croatia in a stunning 7-0 victory.

Their attacking quality came to the fore in the Nations League clash in Rijeka as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka all made hay.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

England put seven past Croatia to show secret to success under Thomas Tuchel

Saka on Bellingham and Gordon

19:28 , Mike Jones

More from Saka who spoke specifically about Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon.

Of Bellingham he said: “He was amazing tonight to be fair. He deserved [England] player of the year and he probably deserves man of the match tonight as well. He was special.

“Happy to play with him and happy to have him in the England team."

On Gordon he added: "Another player who's also on fire in an England shirt. It's nice to have players like that around you and put in performances like tonight."

Reaction from Saka

19:22 , Mike Jones

Here are some thoughts from Bukayo Saka who told ITV: "It was an amazing night for us. We came out from the start we were top.

“We played with high energy, high spirit and we punished them and we enjoyed that performance.

"It was special and it was really fun to play. We played with energy and we were really clinical today, so that made a difference.

"Two goals for England is always a nice feeling, so I'm really happy with that.

"I think we showed the hunger, the passion and the quality that we have. It was a mixture of everything. It's everything we're looking for [from] an English performance tonight, so we're really proud and we want to finish strongly on Tuesday now."

Get you head around this

19:16 , Mike Jones

Anthony Gordon has scored two headed goals in his last two England appearances – across 248 total club appearances for Everton, Preston, Newcastle and Barcelona, he hasn’t scored a single header.

 (Reuters)

England up to second

19:08 , Mike Jones

As things stand in group A3, England are up to second and are level on points with Spain.

Spain are yet to play today and take on Czech Republic this evening.

England’s goal difference is huge now as well. They’re +8 from three games and that may have a point to play later in the group stage.

A massive win for England

19:02 , Mike Jones

This is England’s biggest ever victory in the Nations League.

An easy night for the Three Lions:

Brilliant Bellingham

18:58 , Mike Jones

Perhaps unsurprisingly Jude Bellingham has been given England’s player of the year award.

He celebrated by making three assists and scoring a goal for the Three Lions tonight.

Pure class.

Jude Bellingham of England celebrates for England (Getty)

Full-time! Croatia 0-7 England

18:53 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: England have battered Croatia.

There is no other way to describe that match. It was a mauling from the Three Lions and a record win over Croatia in Croatia.

They had never before been beaten by more that three goals at home. England scored seven!

Croatia 0-7 England

18:49 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Vlasic is given the ball from Kovacic and decides to have a go from range.

He strikes it well but fires the ball into the side netting.

GOAL! Croatia 0-7 England (Morgan Rogers, 87')

18:47 , Mike Jones

Jude Bellingham flicks a pass over the top of the Croatian defence and plays in a bombing Morgan Rogers.

Dominik Livakovic comes off his line to get on the ball but abandons the idea.

Rogers touches it around him and slots into the open net.

Croatia 0-6 England

18:46 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Speaking off the kids, plenty of them are heading for the exit as well.

It’s been a poor night for their team who have just come up against an incredible England side.

Croatia 0-6 England

18:44 , Mike Jones

84 mins: The referee awards England a free kick and is met with a chorus of boos from the 6000 or so watching children.

It’s not delivered with the same ferocity as usual but it’s a reflected of the feelings from the fans who have had to witness their team be played off the park.

Croatia 0-6 England

18:41 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Into the final 10 minutes now.

Are the more goals available for England or can Croatia limit the, already considerable, damage?

Croatia 0-6 England

18:40 , Mike Jones

78 mins: More changes from Tuchel now.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is on, as is Morgan Gibbs-White. Both players will be keen to impress with the limited time left.

Elliot Anderson is one of the players taken off, Lewis Hall is the other one.

Croatia 0-6 England

18:35 , Mike Jones

75 mins: 15 minutes to play and England are hunting more goals.

Any advantage they can muster against Croatia could prove useful if they manage to end the group level on points with Spain.

Croatia 0-6 England

18:34 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Thomas Tuchel uses the break in play as a chance to make some changes. Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and James Garner are introduced.

Off go Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon and Alex Scott.

GOAL! Croatia 0-6 England (Bukayo Saka, 68')

18:28 , Mike Jones

Saka has a second goal!

England have six.

Croatia give the ball away trying to pass it across the edge of their own box. Saka intercepts and nudges it to Kane who feeds it back to him.

The goalkeeper has no chance and Saka fires home from close range.

Croatia 0-5 England

18:26 , Mike Jones

66 mins: England will want to keep a clean sheet tonight.

They’ve been exceptional in attack and despite a few moments in defence they haven’t offered much to Croatia.

Croatia 0-5 England

18:23 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Croatia take a shot from range which is deflected out for a corner - their first of the game.

The cross is sent into the middle and Pickford claims it confidently.

Croatia 0-5 England

18:21 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played now and Thomas Tuchel must be thinking about making changes and resting players.

Harry Kane, by the way, now has 89 goals in 124 appearances for England.

He is already the record goalscorer for his country and on Tuesday should draw level with Peter Shilton’s appearance record of 125 caps.

Croatia 0-5 England

18:16 , Mike Jones

57 mins: England have his game won. Croatia believed it would be a closer affair but in truth they’ve been battered in every single area.

It must be a bruising night for them.

GOAL! Croatia 0-5 England (Harry Kane, 53')

18:13 , Mike Jones

Kane scores again!

Elliot Anderson plays a couple of one-twos on his way into the penalty area.

He glances up, spots Kane and flicks the ball into his path.

The England captain appreciates the pass and prods it home.

Croatia 0-4 England

18:12 , Mike Jones

52 mins: Bellingham releases Gordon to fly forward on the left side of the pitch.

Gordon drives into the box and pulls a pass back from the byline.

Bellingham is arriving but the defenders get there first and hook the ball clear.

Croatia 0-4 England

18:11 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Croatia’s substitutions have been made to stop England’s possession of the ball but they aren’t being as effective as Slaven Bilic would like.

The Three Lions are confident now.

Croatia 0-4 England

18:08 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Croatia have mande three changes at the break.

Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic and Igor Matanovic are on for Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic and Petar Musa.

Matanovic gets involved immediately after Croatia press and win the ball.

He collects it, spins and shoots but powers the ball wide of the target.

Second half! Croatia 0-4 England

18:05 , Mike Jones

Croatia get the ball rolling for the second half. No changes from Thomas Tuchel at the break.

The manager may make some shortly though with an eye on Tuesday’s clash with Czech Republic.

HT Croatia 0-4 England

18:01 , Mike Jones

As things stand, England are heading up to second in group A3 with Spain taking on Czech Republic later on tonight.

Three points for the Three Lions puts them in a strong position in the group at the halfway point of the group stage.

Thomas Tuchel will want ruthlessness in the second half.

HT Croatia 0-4 England

17:57 , Mike Jones

Impressive stats:

Jude Bellingham - One goal, one assist.

Anthony Gordon - One goal, one assist.

Harry Kane - One goal.

Bukayo Saka - One goal.

Jarell Quansah - One assist.

HT Croatia 0-4 England

17:53 , Mike Jones

Four goals to the good for England who are totally dominant in this match.

Harry Kane opened the scoring for England (Getty)Jude Bellingham prodded home England's second goal (Reuters)Anthony Gordon scored for a fourth time in as many games as he headed home England's third goal (PA)Bukayo Saka netted the simplest of tap ins as England notched up four goals in the first half (Reuters)

Half-time! Croatia 0-4 England

17:49 , Mike Jones

45+1 mins: The whistle goes to end a fantastic first half for England.

They have been untouchable in attack but there are signs that work needs to be done defensively even though the match has, effectively, been put to bed.

Thomas Tuchel will be overjoyed.

GOAL! Croatia 0-4 England (Bukayo Saka, 45')

17:47 , Mike Jones

Four!

England burst forward on the break with Bellingham and Gordon combining to get the ball into the box.

Bellingham picks out Saka who is unmarked in the middle of the six-yard area.

Saka just turns it home. Easy.

Croatia 0-3 England

17:46 , Mike Jones

43 mins: That Kovacic chance proves the point of England’s defence.

They’re too slack in possession when inside their own final third. That’s the time to pass the ball quickly, beat the press and escape but Anderson dallies and an error is forgotten due to Kovacic’s poor effort.

Croatia have upped the tempo now. England’s defence is wavering.

Croatia 0-3 England

17:43 , Mike Jones

42 mins: The only thing encouraging Croatia is that England’s defence looks like it could fold.

Chance!

Mateo Kovacic should score!

Anderson is caught on the ball and it is poked to Kovacic. He dribbles into the box, moves the ball around Pickford and then lifts it over the top of the goal!

How’s he not scored?

GOAL! Croatia 0-3 England (Anthony Gordon, 39')

17:42 , Mike Jones

“Oh Anthony Gordon!” rings out as the 100 England fans inside the ground celebrate their current golden boy.

Gordon is back on the scoresheet as England break Croatia down again.

Jarell Quansah makes this one with a cross from the right. The ball bounces through the six-yard area and Gordon throws himself towards it to nod the ball home!

Croatia 0-2 England

17:40 , Mike Jones

38 mins: Croatia look to cross the ball from the right but it’s blocked and Gordon attempts to hold up the ball as England seek to play out.

He does a good job of it and the Three Lions send the ball back and play it quickly across the defence and out to the right side of the pitch.

Croatia 0-2 England

17:38 , Mike Jones

35 mins: England have the ball back and look to build.

Alex Scott weaves his way through the middle of the pitch before running into trouble on the edge of the box.

He goes down and wants a free kick but the decision doesn’t fall his way.

Croatia 0-2 England

17:35 , Mike Jones

32 mins: Croatia begin to play with the ball and force England out of their comfort zone.

The hosts haven’t tested Pickford yet and it’s been tought work for them to get the ball into the penalty area.

This period of possession is more promising for them however.

Croatia 0-2 England

17:31 , Mike Jones

29 mins: England have been in complete control so far.

Two goals up and no pressure from the hosts. Croatia are a creative team when they start to click so England need to remain switched on.

Kane and Bellingham combine to get the ball on the edge of the box before it is pulled back to Anderson who powers it over the top!

 (PA)

Croatia 0-2 England

17:28 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Under Tuchel England have tended to let slip leads and they can’t afford to do so tonight.

Save!

Oh Gordon should score.

England are quick to work the ball up the pitch and Bellingham drifts out to the right to get the ball. He squares it into the middle and Gordon arrives to turn it towards goal only for Livakovic to react, drops low and palm it away!

Croatia 0-2 England

17:26 , Mike Jones

24 mins: England need one more goal before they’ll be happy.

Gordon whips in a cross from the left and finds Saka in the box.

Saka takes a headed effort but pokes it over the crossbar!

GOAL! Croatia 0-2 England (Jude Bellingham, 21')

17:24 , Mike Jones

Another one!

Great from England once again, and in particular Anthony Gordon.

England cross the ball from the right and Gordon manages to keep it in play at the byline.

He pulls it back blindly but Jude Bellingham sticks out a foot and directs the ball past Dominik Livakovic to double the Three Lions’ advantage.

Croatia 0-1 England

17:23 , Mike Jones

20 mins: A nice move from England feeds Saka on the right side of the box.

He crosses looking for Kane but Croatia beat him in the air and send the ball out for a corner.

Anderson takes it but doesn’t beat the first man which is Modric.

Croatia 0-1 England

17:19 , Mike Jones

17 mins: Croatia have a moment where they play around England and almost get Ivan Perisic in on the left side of the pitch.

Pickford is quickly off his line and smothers the ball as it rolls into the area.

England then look to regain control of the ball but Croatia have slowed the tempo down to frustrate the Three Lions.

Croatia 0-1 England

17:16 , Mike Jones

14 mins: England’s early goal will settle them down.

They’ve been the dominant team so far and almost have a second.

Kane has the ball over on the right wing, he sends in a cross and finds Saka whose first touch hits a sprawling Livakovic and deflects wide of the post.

The offside flag then goes up so the goal wouldn’t have counted even if Saka had scored.

Croatia 0-1 England

17:14 , Mike Jones

11 mins: Chance!

Bellingham is acting as supplier again and finds Gordon on a run into the box.

Gordon, full of confidence since moving to Barcelona, takes over and decides to shoot but is once again denied by the goalkeeper.

 (Getty)

GOAL! Croatia 0-1 England (Harry Kane, 8')

17:11 , Mike Jones

Oh this is good!

Josko Gvardiol gives the ball away with a poor pass into midfield.

Guehi intercepts and finds Alex Scott. His turn brings the ball under control and perfectly sets him up to feed Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham holds onto the ball long enough for Harry Kane to ease into the box and a threaded pass takes him beyond the centre-backs.

Kane sets himself and shoots, firing England into the lead!

Croatia 0-0 England

17:09 , Mike Jones

6 mins: England have had control of the ball for the majority of these opening minutes.

They switch it out to Quansah on the right wing and he comes inside to pass to Anderson.

England’s build-up play is slow before Anderson whips in a cross and Luka Modric is on hand to turn the ball out for a throw in.

Croatia 0-0 England

17:05 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Chance!

The first opportunity of the game comes to England as Harry Kane drops deep to receive the ball.

He threads a superb pass into Jude Bellingham who controls, spins and flicks a pass of his own into the left side of the box.

Anthony Gordon runs in behind, collects the ball and shoots forcing a decent save out of Dominik Livakovic at the near post.

Kick off! Croatia 0-0 England

17:03 , Mike Jones

England get the ball rolling in front of an audience of schoolchildren.

They play it back to Jordan Pickford who belts it forward and wins a throw in for the visitors.

Croatia v England

16:59 , Mike Jones

The players have made their way out onto the pitch and the national anthems have been sung.

This is a big match for England’s chances of progressing in the Nations League.

Can they win it?

Kick off is up next...

Tuchel on Trent

16:51 , Mike Jones

Just ahead of kick off, Thomas Tuchel was asked why Jarell Quansah was given the nod ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He replied: "It was very close. There is a lot to defend on the side, especially with Perisic."

How will Croatia fare?

16:46 , Mike Jones

Croatia have won eight of their last nine competitive home matches since a 1-0 loss to Turkey in a Euro 2024 qualifier back in October 2023.

However, despite Croatia only losing four of their last 41 competitive games at home, three of those losses have been in the Nations League, against France and Portugal in 2020 and Austria in 2022.

Preparations done

16:41 , Mike Jones

The warm ups have been completed and England are ready to go.

The Three Lions need to win this match to put themselves in pole position to finish in the top two spots in group A3.

Can they do it?

 (Getty) (Getty) (Getty)

No complaints from Tuchel

16:36 , Mike Jones

England manager Thomas Tuchel spoke about having his team play three matches in one week.

"We are staying on the coast, so in the morning we swim in the sea, the sun is shining and the food is perfect,” he said.

“So, there is really no reason to complain, and we are ready to go, we have an important match.

"We cannot fall asleep in the beautiful place where we are. We cannot switch off and be in holiday mode.

“There are a lot of children so it might feel a little bit like pre-season. But it’s not pre-season."

Are England fans allowed to attend the Nations League match in Croatia?

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty more on Manchester City to come, but let’s focus in on today’s encounter, which will have a limited crowd in attendance – Croatia are operating under restrictions following trouble at a game with France in Paris last year. Only 100 England supporters will be in attendance.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

Are England fans allowed to attend the Nations League match in Croatia?

England should be confident

16:25 , Mike Jones

England have won five of their last seven matches against Croatia in all competitions (one draw, one loss), dating back to the 3-2 defeat in 2007 that cost them qualification for Euro 2008.

The Three Lions have scored at least four goals in three of those wins, triumphing 4-1 in September 2008, 5-1 in September 2009 and 4-2 in their opening group stage clash at the 2026 World Cup four months ago.

Croatia's winless run

16:20 , Mike Jones

Since their famous victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, Croatia are winless in all four of their meetings with the Three Lions (one draw, three defeats).

That run includes two Nations League fixtures in 2018 (0-0 home, 1-2 away).

How will they get on today?

Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals Anthony Gordon message that created goal on England return

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The pair’s telling involvement came after a half-time chat between Real Madrid and Barcelona rivals, who both relished the opportunity to play with one another.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals Gordon message that created goal on England return

There for the taking?

16:10 , Mike Jones

Croatia have lost five of their 10 matches overall in 2026 in what is just the third time they have suffered that many defeats in a single calendar year (also 2018 and 2020).

They have never previously lost six in one year so will England need to be wary this afternoon?

Kane to lead the way

16:05 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane has scored in each of his last five away games for England.

He could become just the fourth player to score in six consecutive away games for the Three Lions, after James Windridge (six from March to June 1908), Tom Finney (seven from September 1946 to May 1948) and Stan Mortensen (six from May 1947 to October 1948).

Can the captain lead the way against Croatia today?

 (Reuters)

How Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his value in England’s win over the Czech Republic

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England were pretty professional in Prague on Tuesday, breaking down a 10-man Czech Republic side thanks in a large part to the connection between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

How Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his value in England’s win over the Czech Republic

Why is attendance limited?

15:55 , Mike Jones

This match is being played behind closed doors as Uefa ordered the match to have a reduced capacity following crowd disturbances and racist behaviour in Croatia’s clash against France last year.

Seven people were arrested under suspicion of making Nazi salutes during the match but were later released because of a lack of evidence.

Uefa has, however, allowed 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren to attend the match and there will also be around 100 England fans who have been able to purchase tickets for the game.

England team changes

15:52 , Mike Jones

Thomas Tuchel has made a few changes to the England XI that defeated Czech Republic last time out.

Jordan Pickford returns in goal as expected, replacing James Trafford.

In defence, Lewis Hall and Marc Guehi retain their spots with Ezri Konsa back at centre-back and Jarell Quansah preferred at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Two other changes see Jude Bellingham back in as the No.10 replacing Morgan Rogers while Alex Scott makes his first competitive start for England and slots into the midfielder ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

England team to face Croatia

15:47 , Mike Jones

England XI: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Pickford explains feelings on being benched

15:42 , Mike Jones

Jordan Pickford holds no regrets about being on the bench for the last couple of matches and explained that he was focused on being the best teammate he could be for the rest of the squad.

“It’s about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role,” the Everton goalkeeper admitted.

“I think I’ve done it really well over the last two games.

“It’s not normal for me, but first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best team-mate. I love playing but if I’m watching, I just want the best for England and that’s to win and I think I dealt with it really well.”

Pickford relishing England challenge

15:36 , Mike Jones

Jordan Pickford is relishing the challenge of fighting for his England place against James Trafford who started in goal for the last two games.

Pickford is expected to take over again for the next two outings and the England No.1 believes he can keep improving.

“I’m 32 now, you see keepers playing still at 40, still playing at the highest level,” Pickford explained.

“It’s about me focusing on myself; I set myself my own goals. I want to push boundaries and keep improving and keep going to be the best version of myself.

“I’ll never stop until I stop. I’m not slowing down, I think I’m only getting better.”

Jordan Pickford defiant amid threat to England No 1 spot: ‘I’m only getting better’

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll have full team news in a little bit but Jordan Pickford is back between the sticks for England this evening, perhaps with his place under threat for the first time in a while. The Everton goalkeeper insists James Trafford doesn’t worry him, though; he’s “only getting better”.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

Jordan Pickford defiant amid threat to England No 1 spot: ‘I’m only getting better’

A record to be equalled?

15:24 , Mike Jones

England’s win over Czech Republic was their eighth straight away win in all competitions, giving them an opportunity to match a team record this weekend.

Only once have they ever won nine away games in a row, doing so under World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey between December 1965 and October 1967.

England's key men?

15:18 , Mike Jones

Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane were on target in a 2-0 win against Czech Republic last time out.

It was England’s sixth win in their last eight Nations League matches (two defeats) across the top two tiers where they have scored 20 goals in that span.

That is more victories and goals than they managed in their first 18 games in the competition overall.

 (Getty)

The last meeting

15:12 , Mike Jones

A blistering second-half performance saw Thomas Tuchel’s side overcome Croatia 4-2 in their opening game at the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions also beat Croatia in their first match at Euro 2020 under Gareth Southgate.

But, previously and famously, they lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and will remember how dangerous a side Croatia can be on their day.

England v Croatia

15:06 , Mike Jones

England have faced Croatia on 12 occasions and emerged victorious last time out as they won 4-2 in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

The Three Lions have seven wins, two draws and three defeats in those 12 meetings and have faced Croatia twice before in the Nations League.

Thomas Tuchel reveals stance on picking Man City players for England if club relegated

15:00 , Will Castle

Thomas Tuchel has not ruled out picking Manchester City players for his England squad if the club are relegated after they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

Tuchel reveals stance on picking Man City players for England if club relegated

Saka bringing more to England

14:54 , Mike Jones

Also in the build-up to today’s match, Tuchel spoke about Bukayo Saka and how he impressed during the match against Czech Republic.

“I felt him more involved, and felt he was more dangerous at the start of the season – and still I think there is some level still to come when he plays for England,” the manager said.

“He knows it but he feels good, he feels the trust, he knows the position, he is confident enough, he is experienced enough to unlock the next level for him.

“He knows it, we know it and he has my full trust and support. And there is a big chance he starts again. If he’s available we go again.”

Tuchel expects big things from Bukayo Saka (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Tuchel on Alexander-Arnold's opportunity

14:48 , Mike Jones

Thomas Tuchel admitted that this England camp can be an opportunity for Trent Alexander-Arnold to stake a claim to be a regular starter if he can buy into the direction the manager wants to take the team.

Alexander-Arnold has not been a regular for England and Tuchel was asked whether he is approaching a ‘now or never’ situation.

“Good question. Maybe, maybe a little bit. You always have the chance, I would say,” he said.

“Once you are in camp it’s a big opportunity if other players are not here. You can impress and mark your territory and show his true capacity that no one’s doubting.

“That’s maybe the challenge for Trent: to buy a little bit into a new idea and a bit out of his comfort zone. But he’s trying and it’s never too late to prove a point.”

 (Getty)

Tuchel addresses more Man City concerns

14:42 , Mike Jones

The England boss also addressed the question of whether he would still select players who play for Man City if the club are kicked out of the Premier League.

“There’s always a possibility,” he said. “I think I will always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament, and I will never rule out that they don’t play in the top flight in their country.

“So you need to look at this case by case.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel (Bradley Collyer/PA). (PA Wire)

Tuchel and Man City players speak about impact of club disruption

14:36 , Mike Jones

Thomas Tuchel says he and his players have discussed the topic of Manchester City’s rule breaches and guilty verdict but he admitted he did not know if the ongoing saga would distract the players who are at the club.

“Are they worried or like are they concerned?” Tuchel said of the likes of Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson.

“I think that would be a very human reaction if you don’t know what’s going on for the club that you signed.

“They’re still young. They’re ambitious. They’re told they are totally innocent and don’t know what’s going on.

“So yeah, I think it is a subject.

“If it’s a distraction, I don’t know. It’s the honest answer, but it is of course a topic and we speak about.”

England’s Manchester City players worried about future after club’s guilty verdict, Thomas Tuchel says

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City’s England players are anxious following their club’s guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules, but he would still select them even if the club suffers relegation.

City face an uncertain future after an independent panel found them guilty of severe financial breaches, though they have appealed, claiming to hold "irrefutable evidence" of their innocence.

The issue has unfolded during the international window, with City members Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly featuring in the England squad.

While O’Reilly has returned home injured, Tuchel acknowledged it is natural for City’s players to feel concern over the club’s plight.

Image from: England v Croatia LIVE: Three Lions hit seven to inflict humiliating Nations League defeat on hosts

England’s Man City players worried about future after guilty verdict, Tuchel says

England's early team news

14:24 , Mike Jones

Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly withdrew from the England squad earlier this week, leaving Lewis Hall likely to continue at left-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed with an assist against the Czech Republic and will contend for a place again on the right of the back four, while Jordan Pickford will displace James Trafford in goal.

Alex Scott could earn a first start.

Predicted England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Scott; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Croatia's early team news and possible line-up

14:18 , Mike Jones

Martin Erlic has withdrawn from the Croatia squad after suffering a hamstring strain but manager Slaven Bilic should otherwise have a fully fit squad to select from.

Predicted Croatia XI: Livakovic; Smolcic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic P. Sucic; Baturina, Beljo, Marco Pasalic

 (PA)

How can I watch it?

14:12 , Mike Jones

As usual with England matches, viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage from 4.15pm BST.

A live stream will be available via ITVX.

When is Croatia vs England?

14:06 , Mike Jones

Croatia vs England is due to kick off at 5pm BST on Saturday 3 October at the HNK Rijeka Stadium.

It is the third fixture in this round of Nations League games with both teams having won one and lost one of the previous two in group A3.

England v Croatia

14:00 , Mike Jones

England will look to build on a strong win in the Czech Republic as they face another tricky away trip in Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel’s side bounced back from a defeat to Spain in their Nations League opener as they produced a professional performance against 10-man opposition on Tuesday.

That 2-0 success leaves them second in Group A3, level on points with their opposition – who will not benefit from their usual home advantage due to crowd restrictions in Rijeka.

Croatia were beaten 4-2 by England at the World Cup and are now back under the management of former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who previously oversaw the national team between 2006 and 2012.

Croatia v England LIVE

10:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After a week of fallout from the seismic Manchester City verdict, Thomas Tuchel and his England side will bid to focus on matters on the field as they face a tricky test against Croatia. A strong showing against the Czech Republic in midweek secured a much-needed win for Tuchel – can they go again as they continue their Nations League campaign in Rijeka?

Kick off is at 5pm BST.

England take on Croatia as their Nations League campaign continues (Getty)
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