Thomas Tuchel’s selection is expected to be shaped by several absences. The report says Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford remain unavailable, removing experience and ball-carrying ability from an England squad already under pressure.
England’s recent results still provide encouragement. The update credits them with five wins in their last seven meetings with Croatia, scoring 17 goals and conceding seven. However, their Nations League campaign began with a 3-2 defeat by Spain, while the team’s wider scrutiny has increased after a disappointing World Cup finish.
Croatia’s own start has been uneven. The report says they lost 4-1 to Spain before responding against Czechia, but have won only four of their last nine matches and suffered five defeats during that run.
Slaven Bilić is expected to restore several established names after rotating his team. Luka Modrić could return to midfield, while Josip Stanišić and Luka Vušković are reportedly in line for defensive roles. Martin Baturina, said to have recovered from illness, is also expected to challenge for a starting place.
That reshuffle could give Croatia greater control, but it may also leave them vulnerable against England’s wide players. The report indicates Joško Gvardiol could operate on the left, with Bukayo Saka posing the main threat in that channel.
Harry Kane is the clearest attacking danger. The report says he scored twice against Croatia at the World Cup and has found the net in each of his last five club-and-country appearances.
His movement between Croatia’s midfield and defence could decide the contest, especially if England support him with Jude Bellingham, Saka and Anthony Gordon.
The next fixture will reveal whether England’s recent head-to-head advantage can outweigh their absences, while Croatia’s response to another lineup change could define the group’s race behind Spain.