England host Croatia at Wembley Stadium on November 12 in a UEFA Nations League match with important consequences for both sides. England are second in their group, six points ahead of third-placed Croatia with two fixtures remaining. A point from their final two games would confirm England’s place in the quarter-finals, while a win here would settle the matter immediately. The visitors have a different concern: they are three points above the Czech Republic and are trying to remain in League A. England’s 7-0 victory in the reverse fixture gives this meeting a stark backdrop, but Croatia will be determined to produce a stronger response in London. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 local time.

England’s Recent Form and Key Stats

England have responded emphatically to their opening Nations League defeat against Spain. They led that home game before losing 3-2, then won 2-0 away to the Czech Republic and 7-0 at Croatia. A 3-0 home victory over the Czechs on October 6 made it three straight wins in the group and left them close to qualification. Their Nations League record stands at three wins and one loss, with no draws. Across their last five matches in all competitions, they have recorded four wins and one defeat, averaging 4.0 goals scored per game.

The goals have not been confined to one exceptional result. Harry Kane has scored six times in this Nations League group and has found the net in each of England’s four matches. According to the match information, a start against Croatia would also take him past Peter Shilton’s England appearances record. Kane’s scoring run offers England a focal point as they look to build on the seven goals they scored in the teams’ previous meeting.

England’s broader figures also suggest they regularly contribute to the scoreline: they have scored at least once in 31 of their last 32 matches. There have been more than 1.5 total goals in each of their last 11 Nations League games. At home, England have led at half-time in eight of their last 12 matches, although that record does not by itself determine how this fixture will unfold. In terms of squad availability, Marc Geuhi is unavailable and Dan Burn has replaced him in the squad. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were omitted, while both Bellingham brothers were included and Ben White returned.

Croatia’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 away win over the Czech Republic, but their next three group games all ended in defeat. They lost 4-1 away to Spain, suffered the 7-0 home reverse against England and were then beaten 2-1 at home by Spain on October 6. Their group record is one win and three losses, and they have conceded 14 goals in those four matches. Half of that total came in the previous encounter with England.

The recent pattern extends beyond this competition. Croatia have won one and lost four of their last five matches, scoring an average of 1.0 goal and conceding 3.2 per game across that stretch. Their 2026 World Cup also included a 4-2 group-stage defeat to England before they exited in the last 32. Those results underline the defensive challenge they face at Wembley, particularly after allowing England 11 goals across the teams’ two meetings this year.

Slaven Bilic is back in charge, and the final group fixture at home to the Czech Republic gives Croatia another important match to consider. They are three points ahead of the Czechs, but first have to face an England side that scored seven against them in October. Luka Modric may be fit enough to start, while Ivan Persic is likely to feature in defence as Croatia seek to improve on their recent record. Even if their final fixture carries major significance, avoiding another heavy defeat in this one would represent a clear improvement on the reverse meeting.

England vs Croatia Match Analysis

The contrast in recent results makes England’s attack against Croatia’s defence the central theme of this preview. England have scored 10 goals across their last three Nations League fixtures, including seven against these opponents. Croatia, meanwhile, have conceded four or more in two of their last three group matches. Their most recent defeat to Spain was narrower, at 2-1, but it did not end their losing run.

The head-to-head record also favours the hosts. England are unbeaten in their last five matches against Croatia, with four wins and one draw, and the 7-0 result remains the most relevant recent meeting. Croatia’s earlier 2-1 win over the Czech Republic shows that they have scored in this group, but their defensive record has made it difficult to turn goals into points. England can therefore approach the match knowing that a win secures their quarter-final place, while Croatia must balance the task at Wembley against the importance of their remaining game with the Czechs.

There is no need to assume a repeat of the seven-goal margin to see why goals are a prominent consideration. England’s scoring consistency, Kane’s record in this group and Croatia’s 14 goals conceded provide the clearest evidence. England’s run of Nations League matches with at least two total goals adds to that picture, while Croatia’s recent defeats show how difficult it has been for them to contain opponents. The question is whether the visitors can make this contest significantly tighter than the one played in October.

England vs Croatia prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 71% probability.