Tuchel warns England not to slip into holiday mode against Croatia

Tuchel demands focus for unusual Croatia test

Thomas Tuchel has warned England against letting the unusual setting of Saturday’s Nations League match against Croatia undermine their concentration, insisting the fixture is no time to “switch off and be in a holiday mood.”

The match will be played mostly behind closed doors following crowd disturbances involving Croatia supporters during a Nations League game against France in March 2025. Schoolchildren and 100 travelling England supporters will be permitted to attend.

“To be behind closed doors, it’s never nice. It’s a strange atmosphere,” Tuchel said. “It might feel a bit like pre-season but it’s not. It’s a crucial match in the Nations League.” He described Croatia as a major football nation with a proud history and a squad blending youth and experience.

England chasing a landmark away run

England go into the fixture second in Group A3 after responding to defeat by Spain with a 2-0 win over Czechia. They have won six of their last eight Nations League matches, scoring 20 goals across that run.

A victory would give Tuchel’s side nine consecutive away wins, matching England’s national-team record set under Alf Ramsey between December 1965 and October 1967. England have also won five of their last seven meetings with Croatia in all competitions, drawing one and losing one.

Tuchel keeps selection options open

Asked whether he would consider selecting players if Manchester City were relegated following the Premier League charges reported against the club, Tuchel said he would not rule anyone out solely because they played outside the top division. City players Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson are in the England squad.

“I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, the tournament,” Tuchel said. “I will never rule out that because they don’t play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case.”