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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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

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.”