England host Croatia at Wembley, where a draw is enough for the quarter-finals

Stakes at Wembley

England host Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley Stadium on 12 November 2026, with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT. A draw is enough for England to reach the quarter-finals. England currently sit second in the group table, and a victory would set up a meeting with Spain on Sunday that decides who tops Group A3.

The Rijeka result

England beat Croatia 7-0 away from home during the last international break, in Rijeka. The New York Times says England scored seven goals without reply when the teams met there last month, about 40 days before this fixture. Croatia are coached by Slaven Bilic, and the same outlet asks whether his side will get revenge at Wembley. Croatia need a response after that defeat, but their route to the quarter-finals is narrow.

Kane's record

Harry Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, is set to break Peter Shilton's record for most England men's appearances. Shilton played 125 times for England, and Kane's game against Croatia would be his 126th match. Kane will play for England for the first time since winning the award, and he is also set to present the Ballon d'Or to the crowd at Wembley. He has been playing three games a week for his club, which raises questions about how much rest he can be given.

Squad selection

Thomas Tuchel has selection decisions to make before the match. The Independent reports he could play both Jude and Jobe Bellingham, with Jobe receiving his first senior call-up for this camp. Tuchel has said his centre-back options are Jarell Quansah and one other player. Declan Rice's fitness concerns make a confident backup necessary, and a home European Championship on the horizon leaves Tuchel few windows left to find answers.

Players in form

Rio Ngumoha says he has everything in place to become the next Englishman, after Kane, to win the Ballon d'Or. He described his style of play with a clear view of his own strengths.

“I'm quite fearless. I feel like if there's an opportunity to beat my man, I'll always do it.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored more Premier League goals since the start of last season than any other English player, according to inews. He has also raised the possibility of playing alongside Kane rather than instead of him.

“Harry is someone I'd love to play with.”