England predicted line-up vs Croatia: Tuchel without Konsa, Guehi and Lewis-Skelly

Thomas Tuchel must reshape his England defence for Thursday’s Nations League match against Croatia at Wembley, with Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Myles Lewis-Skelly all unavailable. A draw would be enough to send England into the quarter-finals.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, live on ITV1. Harry Kane is set to win his 126th cap and become England’s most-capped men’s player.

England predicted line-up vs Croatia

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Branthwaite, Hall; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, J Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

This is Dave’s prediction, not a confirmed team. We will publish the confirmed line-ups when they are announced, about an hour before kick-off.

England team news

England’s two first-choice centre-backs from October are both missing. Konsa will not be in contention as he follows his own programme, but England expect him back in full training before Sunday’s trip to Spain. Guehi has withdrawn from the squad with a hip injury.

Their absence opens the door for Jarell Quansah and Jarrad Branthwaite. Dan Burn was called up in Guehi’s place, while Bournemouth’s James Hill has earned his first senior call-up and could make his debut.

Lewis-Skelly is suspended for the game. That should mean Declan Rice, back in the squad, partners Elliot Anderson in midfield, with Lewis Hall continuing at left-back.

Jobe Bellingham and Fulham’s Josh King are both in line for their first caps after being named in the November squad. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were left out.

Tuchel expects a Croatia reaction

England beat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka in October, with Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice each. Saka is not in this squad.

Tuchel has warned his side against complacency, saying Croatia responded straight away by pushing Spain close.

“We expect a reaction from Croatia, and we expect to overcome this mental challenge for us to start from scratch,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

Croatia, now coached by Slaven Bilić, travel to Osijek to face Czechia on Sunday after this game.

What England need

England are second in the group and need a point to reach March’s quarter-finals. Two wins could take them top before they face Spain in Madrid on Sunday. Find out how to watch Spain vs England, including the latest on Lamine Yamal’s injury.

Tuchel has also ruled out leaving England before Euro 2028. For the latest, visit our football news hub.

England vs Croatia FAQ

What time is England vs Croatia?
Kick-off is at 7.45pm on Thursday 12 November at Wembley, live on ITV1 and ITVX.

Who is missing for England against Croatia?
Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi (hip) and Myles Lewis-Skelly (suspended) are all unavailable.

What do England need against Croatia?
A draw is enough to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Will Harry Kane break England’s appearance record?
Yes. Tuchel confirmed Kane will win his 126th cap, which makes him England’s most-capped men’s player.