Chris Knows: England vs Croatia Match Preview

Thomas Tuchel’s England continue their post-World Cup recovery with another set of Nations League fixtures during the current international break.

Impressive performances in the tournament so far have seen the Three Lions win three out of their four games, with the only defeat coming against the defending World champions, Spain.

In the first of two matches, England will host Croatia, a team that they have an exceptional recent record against.

Ever since the painful World Cup semi-final defeat to Luka Modric and co in 2018, England have faced Croatia five times and have won four and drawn one. The most recent encounter ended in a 7-0 victory for England in Rijeka.

Croatia will be looking for a modicum of revenge for that scoreline, but the reality is that they simply don’t have anywhere near the quality to trouble England any longer.

This is a very strong era for English international football; there are quality players who buy into what the coach tries to do. Gareth Southgate must take a lot of credit for that, even if Tuchel is now in the job.

Whilst England will inevitably fall short of Spain in this Nations League group, these matches are good preparation for Euro 2028, which England are expected to win.

Tuchel Has Plenty of Attacking Options

England’s squad selection for this international break has been rather interesting.

Of course, the obvious names are there… Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, but there have been a couple of surprise selections.

Jobe Bellingham has received his first international call-up and will join his older brother as part of the national setup. In nine matches with Borussia Dortmund this year, he has two assists. There is potential there, but he can’t be expected to make too much of an impact this time around.

Rio Ngumoha is as exciting a talent as we’ve seen England hand a debut to in recent times, and there is a feeling he could be given a start against Croatia.

He has electric pace, and his footwork can be mesmerising to watch. There are just so many ways in which England can hurt Croatia’s poor defence.

The only real selection headache for Tuchel is in his own goal. James Trafford’s form for Leeds United has done a lot to put the former Manchester City stopper in the conversation to be England’s no.1.

Jordan Pickford has done an exceptional job for the national team over the years, and whilst many expected him to still be in place by Euro 2028, he’s being put under serious pressure by Trafford.

In the last international break, Tuchel gave the two goalkeepers two matches each, but there is a suspicion Trafford might be given the nod to start against Croatia.

Chris’ Pick

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to bet against this England side. There remain huge concerns over how they and Tuchel deal with real pressure situations in tournaments, but in Nations League matches they are exceptional.

They have an excellent squad of talented players and a tactical system which causes opponents problems.

Tuchel has lifted the handbrake for this campaign… although some fans may say it’s too late after the missed opportunity against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final last summer.

Croatia’s defensive frailties are clear for all to see, and the 7-0 reverse in Rijeka wasn’t a huge shock.

England will win this game, and it’s merely a question of by how many goals.

I’m tipping England to win both halves @ 8/11 with Bet365.

My alternative pick would involve Anthony Gordon. I think a bet on him to score at any time is excellent value, given his recent form with England.