England v Croatia LIVE: Team news and latest updates with fans banned from Nations League clash | OneFootball

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.

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

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”.

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

Pickford’s position as England number one is under threat for the first time amid the rise of James Trafford

Harry Latham-Coyle3 October 2026 15:30

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.

Mike Jones3 October 2026 15:24

England's key men?

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)

Mike Jones3 October 2026 15:18

The last meeting

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.

Mike Jones3 October 2026 15:12

Saka bringing more to England

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)

Mike Jones3 October 2026 14:54

Tuchel on Alexander-Arnold's opportunity

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.”

Mike Jones3 October 2026 14:48

Tuchel addresses more Man City concerns

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)

Mike Jones3 October 2026 14:42

Tuchel and Man City players speak about impact of club disruption

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.”