Croatia vs England: Behind Closed Doors Nations League Preview

England Head to Rijeka With No Away Support

England's Nations League meeting with Croatia on Saturday will be played behind closed doors at the Stadion Rijeka, according to BBC Sport. The fixture comes with a heavily restricted crowd, a punishment that stems from incidents involving Croatia supporters at a previous Nations League match.

The two sides have recent history at this venue. As BBC Sport notes, England and Croatia met in Rijeka in October 2018, also behind closed doors, in a 0-0 draw. More recently, the teams faced off at the 2026 World Cup, where England won 4-2 in Dallas. Saturday's encounter therefore offers Croatia a chance at a measure of revenge on home soil, albeit in front of a drastically reduced audience.

Why the Match Is Behind Closed Doors

The restrictions were imposed after crowd disturbances involving Croatia fans during a Nations League match against France in March 2025. According to BBC Sport, seven fans were taken into custody on suspicion of making Nazi salutes during the match, though they were later released without prosecution because of a lack of evidence.

In the Croatia supporters' section of the Stade de France, fireworks were also set off. As a result, Croatia were additionally prohibited from having travelling supporters at their 2-1 win in the Czech Republic last Saturday. The cumulative disciplinary measures now mean Saturday's home fixture against England will be played in a near-empty stadium.

Who Will Be in Attendance?

While the match is officially classified as behind closed doors, the stands will not be entirely empty. Between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been permitted to attend the match at Stadion Rijeka, per BBC Sport.

Initially, England fans were not allowed to attend at all. Following discussions with Uefa and England, the Three Lions were later permitted to have 100 complimentary tickets given to their fans. That small allocation means England's travelling support will be limited to a tiny pocket inside the ground.

What It Means for the Teams

For Croatia, the absence of a full home crowd removes one of the traditional advantages of playing in Rijeka. The schoolchildren in attendance may provide some atmosphere, but it will be far from the intimidating environment typically associated with a full stadium. Croatia's players will need to generate their own intensity without the backing of a packed home support.

For England, the reduced away allocation means the team will have minimal vocal support. However, the near-neutral setting could suit a side that has already shown it can handle Croatia, having beaten them 4-2 at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas. That result will give England confidence heading into Saturday's fixture, even if the conditions are unusual.

The match also carries broader significance in the Nations League context. With Croatia already having served a partial punishment in the Czech Republic, the disciplinary measures are clearly affecting their home fixtures. England, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent form and take advantage of the unusual circumstances.

Form Guide and Outlook

England's most recent meeting with Croatia ended in a convincing 4-2 win at the World Cup, a result that underlines the attacking quality available to the Three Lions. Croatia's 2-1 victory in the Czech Republic last Saturday shows they remain competitive despite the off-field issues surrounding their supporters.

The 0-0 draw in Rijeka in 2018 serves as a reminder that fixtures between these two nations can be tight, particularly in this venue. With no crowd to lift the hosts, England may fancy their chances of taking all three points.

For bettors and analysts, the behind-closed-doors factor is a significant variable. Home advantage is diminished, and the presence of thousands of schoolchildren rather than a full adult crowd could create an unfamiliar dynamic. England's 100 complimentary tickets will barely register in the stands.

Saturday's match is therefore as much about handling the environment as it is about tactics. Croatia will need to adapt to the lack of support, while England will aim to exploit the subdued atmosphere. Given the recent 4-2 result, England may start as favourites, but Croatia's home record and the unpredictable nature of behind-closed-doors games keep the outcome uncertain.

For more analysis ahead of the Nations League fixtures, see our Premier League predictions and today's AI betting tips. You can also follow the latest football news for updates on team selections and any further Uefa announcements.