2026-2027 Nations League: England vs. Croatia, Probable Lineups

England hosts Croatia on Thursday evening at 8:45 p.m. at Wembley, in the fifth matchday of the Nations League group stage. The Three Lions are looking to earn crucial points to move closer to qualifying for the quarterfinals and keep alive their hopes of finishing the group in first place, a spot currently held by Spain. The visitors, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after their crushing 7-0 defeat in the first leg and need a positive result to avoid relegation to League B.

Tuchel is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pickford in goal. In defense, Alexander-Arnold and Hall are expected on the flanks, with Konsa and Branthwaite in the center. Rice and Anderson will play in front of the back line, while Rogers, Bellingham, and Gordon will be tasked with supporting Kane. Guehi and Lewis-Skelly will be unavailable, with the latter suspended.

Croatia is expected to respond with the same formation. Bilic will rely on Livakovic in goal, with Stanisic, Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, and Gvardiol forming the defensive line. In midfield, Modric and Kovacic will start together, while Vlasic, Pasalic, and Baturina will play behind Budimir. Perisic, however, will be forced to sit out the match due to suspension.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Branthwaite, Hall; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Head Coach: Tuchel.

CROATIA (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Vlasic, Pasalic, Baturina; Budimir. Head Coach: Bilic.