Spain can move into Nations League quarter-finals as Croatia seek response

Spain can take a decisive step toward the Nations League quarter-finals on Tuesday night when they face Croatia, with qualification possible if they win and England do not lose to Czechia. The scenario was outlined by The Guardian in its live coverage of the evening’s fixtures. The match in Croatia brings together the reigning European champions and a home side attempting to recover from what Luka Modric described as an uncharacteristic defeat by England.

Spain defeated Czechia in their previous outing, while Croatia were beaten by England over the weekend. Modric said the result itself was less troubling than the manner of the performance. “Losing isn’t the problem, but the way we lost is,” he said, according to The Guardian.

The Croatia captain called for greater aggression against Spain and urged his team to prevent their opponents from finding space and solutions. He also acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing Spain as “the best team in the world” and the champions. Modric said Croatia hoped for a positive reaction in front of their supporters and that the players understood the previous display was not typical of the team.

Croatia have made four changes to the side that lost to England. Dominik Livakovic starts in goal, with Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic among those named in the team. Spain have made five changes from the side that beat Czechia, with Unai Simon, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal included in the starting XI listed by The Guardian.

The fixture also sets up a midfield contest between Modric and Spain’s Rodri, while Spain’s attack includes Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena and Oyarzabal. Erik Lambrechts of Belgium is the referee. The other League A, Group 3 match is England’s meeting with Czechia.

Sky Sports’ report is focused on that game and identifies it as a live Nations League contest, while The Guardian lists the broader starting line-up information and qualification implications. England’s team includes Harry Kane, who is set to win his 125th cap and move level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, according to The Guardian. Scotland host Slovenia in League B, Group 1, with Jack Hendry and Ryan Christie entering Scotland’s starting line-up.

Kieron Bowie is on the bench and Scott McKenna is suspended. The night’s other fixtures include Switzerland against North Macedonia, Albania versus San Marino, Belarus against Finland, Moldova versus Slovakia and Estonia versus Iceland. Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands had already played, drawing 2-2, while Russia versus Nigeria, Algeria versus Niger and Jordan versus Venezuela are listed as international friendlies.

The scheduled Nations League kick-offs are 7.45pm BST unless otherwise stated.