Can Croatia Respond After Their Heavy Defeat to England in the Previous Meeting? Prediction | November 12, 2026
England will host Croatia on November 12 in the fifth round of the UEFA Nations League League A. The teams meet again in Group 3 after England secured a convincing 7-0 victory in their first encounter. The hosts will be looking to maintain their challenge for top spot, while Croatia will aim to respond to that heavy defeat and improve their position in the group.
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England
England are currently second in Group 3. After losing their opening match against Spain 2-3, they have recovered with three consecutive victories, twice against Czechia and once Croatia. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, with 12 goals scored and none conceded in those three matches. Overall, England have collected 9 points, scoring 14 goals and conceding just 3.
The English side have demonstrated considerable attacking quality throughout the campaign. Their 25 shots on target and 13 assists underline their ability to create and finish chances, while four clear chances created highlight their effectiveness in dangerous areas. England have also been productive from set pieces, winning 24 corners in four games. Their attacking output is supported by impressive ball circulation, with the team averaging 58.5% possession and completing 92.75% of their passes. This combination allows England to control matches and consistently put pressure on opposing defences.
England also have a strong record against Croatia. They won 4-2 at this year's World Cup, 1-0 at Euro 2020 and 2-1 in a previous Nations League meeting. Together with the 7-0 victory in the current campaign, these results give them four consecutive wins over this opponent.
- Possible England lineup: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Konsa, Hall, Rice, Bellingham, Anderson, Rogers, Kane, Gordon.
Croatia
Croatia have had a difficult Nations League campaign. They started with a 2-1 victory over Czechia but have since suffered three consecutive defeats, including two losses against Spain and the heavy defeat to England. They currently sit third in Group 3 with 3 points, having scored only 4 goals and conceded 14.
Their attacking numbers help explain why Croatia have struggled to keep pace with the stronger teams in the group. They have registered just 13 shots on target and created only one clear chance in four matches. Their limited attacking output has been accompanied by difficulties in retaining possession. Croatia average 42.5% possession and have completed 86.25% of their passes, figures considerably below England's.
The biggest concern, however, remains their defence. Croatia have conceded 22 shots on target, with their goalkeeper making eight saves, but the team have still allowed 14 goals. Their 70 clearances also suggest that they have frequently been forced to deal with pressure close to their own penalty area.
Discipline has been another weakness. Croatia have received 11 yellow cards and one red card, compared with England's five yellow cards and no dismissals. Their defensive difficulties could become even more problematic if they struggle to contain England's attacking players.
In the previous Nations League campaign, they progressed to the quarter-finals but were eliminated by France.
- Possible Croatia lineup: Livakovic, Stanisic, Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Modric, Pasalic, Sucic, Kovacic, Baturina, Beljo.
Key Trends
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings.
- England have won their last 4 matches against Croatia.
- England scored 12 goals in their last 3 Nations League matches.
- Croatia have conceded 14 goals in 4 matches in the current campaign.
Prediction
England have a clear advantage ahead of this encounter, both in terms of recent results and the quality of their performances. They have been far more productive in attack, creating considerably more dangerous opportunities than Croatia, while their ability to dominate possession should allow them to dictate the tempo. The hosts have also shown much greater defensive reliability, conceding only three goals in four matches. Croatia's main problem is their inability to prevent opponents from creating chances. Their defensive line has been under considerable pressure throughout the campaign, and the 7-0 defeat in the reverse fixture exposed the gap between the teams. Although Croatia will be motivated to respond, their current defensive record gives little reason to expect a completely different outcome. England's attacking form, Croatia's defensive problems and the history of high-scoring meetings between these sides all point towards another match with plenty of goals. Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Total Goals
