England v Croatia LIVE: Quansah starts ahead of Alexander-Arnold in Nations League clash | OneFootball

(Reuters)

England will bid to again banish the noise as they take on Croatia in the Nations League amid the fallout from the Manchester City verdict.

One might have forgiven a few in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for being a little distracted after a seismic moment for the sport, but England produced a professional enough performance against the Czech Republic on Tuesday to secure a 2-0 win. It felt a quietly significant result for a manager still under pressure given the manner of his side’s World Cup exit, and Tuchel will be hopeful of another strong showing on another tough away day.

England beat Croatia in their World Cup opener earlier in the year, though the hosts have re-appointed Slaven Bilic since the end of that tournament. Though no match for world champions Spain in their last outing, there is plenty of experience and quality in the home ranks – though only schoolchildren in the stands due to crowd restrictions after disturbances from Croatian fans in Paris last year.

There for the taking?

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?

Mike Jones3 October 2026 16:10

Kane to lead the way

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)

Mike Jones3 October 2026 16:05

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

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.

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

Czech Republic 0-2 England: Goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane helped Thomas Tuchel’s side to victory over their 10-man hosts – with their right-back laying on a trademark assist

Harry Latham-Coyle3 October 2026 16:00

Why is attendance limited?

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.

Pickford explains feelings on being benched

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.”

A record to be equalled?

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.