The Three Lions have responded to their opening defeat against Spain with three consecutive victories, keeping a clean sheet in each. Croatia arrive in London having lost three of their four group matches, with defensive injuries adding to Slaven Bilic’s problems.
England began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat against Spain before beating Czechia 2-0. Their performances improved considerably in October, when they thrashed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka and followed that result with a 3-0 home victory over Czechia.
Harry Kane scored twice in the latest success, with Vladimir Coufal putting through his own net. Morgan Rogers and Lewis Hall provided assists as England maintained their pursuit of group leaders Spain.
The reverse fixture against Croatia was even more emphatic. Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, Jude Bellingham contributed a goal and three assists, while Anthony Gordon and Rogers completed the scoring.
Croatia’s only victory came against Czechia. Their subsequent defeats have left them third in Group A3, with the possibility of relegation still hanging over their final two fixtures.
England sit second with nine points, three behind Spain. Croatia have three points, while Czechia remain bottom without a point.
Tuchel has several selection decisions to make. Marc Guehi is injured, Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended and Cole Palmer is absent from the squad. Josh King and Jobe Bellingham are the two uncapped outfield players included in November’s selection.
Croatia have more extensive problems. Ivan Perisic is suspended, while Josip Sutalo, Martin Pongracic, Andrej Kramaric, Franjo Ivanovic and Kristijan Jakic are unavailable through injury.
Kane is preparing for his 126th England appearance, which would take him past Peter Shilton’s international caps record. Croatia captain Luka Modric is approaching his 207th appearance.
