England vs Croatia Tonight: Kane Record, Team News and Nations League Stakes

England vs Croatia takes place tonight, Thursday 12 November 2026, at Wembley Stadium, with kickoff at 19:45 GMT (22:45 EAT). England can secure their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals by avoiding defeat, while captain Harry Kane is one appearance away from becoming his country’s outright most-capped senior men’s player.

The Nations League Group A3 meeting comes after England’s 7–0 away victory over Croatia in October. Thomas Tuchel’s side have nine points from four matches, three behind Spain, while Slaven Bilić’s Croatia have three. Here are the match details, confirmed squad developments, head-to-head record and where to follow the score.

For changing match status, confirmed starting teams and the final result, follow SportPesa Score.

England enter Matchday 5 in second place. UEFA confirms a draw or win against Croatia will be enough to secure an England place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Spain have already qualified, but first place is not settled. Croatia must win at Wembley to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

These are the standings before England vs Croatia on 12 November, not live figures. The final Group A3 fixtures are Croatia vs Czechia and Spain vs England on Sunday 15 November. See the UEFA Nations League official group standings for official updates.

The England vs Croatia team news centres on Harry Kane’s chance to make his 126th England appearance. Kane is level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton on 125 caps; he will take the outright men’s record if he appears at Wembley. The striker has also been recognised in SportPesa Global’s coverage of Harry Kane’s 2026 Ballon d’Or achievement.

Thomas Tuchel has included first-time senior call-ups Jobe Bellingham and Josh King in the November England squad. Declan Rice and Ben White have also returned to the selection. However, Marc Guéhi withdrew because of injury, prompting Dan Burn’s call-up, while James Hill was added for defensive cover.

Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence are expected to miss the Croatia fixture following fitness concerns reported ahead of matchday. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended. These absences may affect the defensive selection, but the England vs Croatia lineups cannot be treated as confirmed until official team sheets are released.

Slaven Bilić leads Croatia into the return fixture with Luka Modrić still a central figure in the squad. Croatia’s preparation has been complicated by the suspension of Ivan Perišić and reported absences involving Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Andrej Kramarić and Franjo Ivanović. Luka Sučić has also faced a fitness concern. Final availability should be checked against the Croatian federation’s matchday squad.

Croatia lost 2–1 to Spain in October after the heavy defeat to England. The visitors’ task at Wembley is therefore about gaining three points to preserve a chance of advancing, rather than playing for an already confirmed quarter-final place.

The England vs Croatia head-to-head record stands at eight England wins, two draws and three Croatia victories across 13 meetings, according to England Football’s pre-match record. England have won the last four encounters, including their 7–0 Nations League win in Rijeka on 3 October.

The October meeting was particularly significant: Kane scored twice as England recorded seven goals without reply. That result explains the goal-difference gap between the sides, but it does not establish the score of tonight’s game. For a broader perspective on England’s leading striker, see SportPesa Global’s 2026 Ballon d’Or winners coverage.

Readers looking for England vs Croatia betting markets can explore the current football listings on SportPesa Global, subject to local eligibility and market availability. Common football market types include match result (1X2), double chance, total goals and both teams to score. Availability and odds can change before and during a match; check the platform for actual selections and prices.

England’s record win in October and Croatia’s squad absences are match context, not guarantees of any outcome. Only place bets within your limits, and do not chase losses.

Check the England vs Croatia live score and confirmed starting lineups on SportPesa Score when available. The match is scheduled to start at 19:45 GMT, and official lineups are normally released closer to kickoff. For further international football news and match analysis, browse SportPesa Global football coverage.

England vs Croatia gives the Three Lions a chance to confirm a Nations League quarter-final place at Wembley, while Croatia need a win to stay in contention. Harry Kane’s potential 126th appearance, England’s defensive absences and Croatia’s weakened squad add important context to the 12 November meeting. Follow confirmed lineups and the result on SportPesa Score, and explore relevant football markets on SportPesa Global where eligible.

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