Spain and England stand on the brink of securing quarter-final qualification in the UEFA Nations League as both heavyweights prepare for their respective group-stage fixtures on Tuesday night, sport.ORF.at reported.
Spain targets quarter-final spot in Split against Croatia
World Cup holders Spain can clinch a top-two finish in Group A3 with a victory against Croatia in Split, according to sport.ORF.at. Luis de la Fuente’s side currently sits atop the group with a maximum of nine points from three matches, extending an unbeaten run across 41 fixtures in official regulation time.
The reigning world champions defeated Croatia 4–1 in their previous meeting just a week prior. Looking ahead to Tuesday’s 20:45 CEST (18:45 UTC) kickoff at Stadion Poljud, team captain Rodri and his teammates aim to build on that momentum, while the hosts seek a response following a heavy 7–0 defeat against England in Rijeka.
Croatia captain Luka Modric acknowledged the scale of the task facing his squad. We must show our true face,
the 41-year-old midfielder said, emphasizing the need for immediate damage control in front of home supporters.
England prepares for Czech Republic clash in Wembley
In Group A3’s parallel fixture, England hosts the winless Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 20:45 CEST (18:45 UTC), oe24.at reported. Thomas Tuchel’s team enters the contest holding a commanding position after a 2–0 win in Prague featuring goals from Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon, followed by the 7–0 rout of Croatia.
A victory for the Three Lions, paired with a Croatian loss or draw against Spain, would all but secure at least second place in the group standings. Preparation for the Wembley fixture included an unconventional recovery session featuring reformer Pilates for players like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon, as reported by oe24.at.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will be without midfielder Alex Scott due to a hamstring injury and Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa due to fitness concerns. Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis has been called up as a replacement.
Milestone evening approaches for captain Harry Kane
England striker Harry Kane is set to win his 125th international cap against the Czech Republic, drawing level with Peter Shilton as one of the nation’s most-capped players, according to sport.ORF.at. I will be ready,
Kane stated regarding the milestone appearance.
The upcoming round of fixtures marks the conclusion of the current two-week international window in the Nations League. The final two matchdays of the group stage are scheduled to take place in mid-November to determine the definitive quarter-final seedings.
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