England produced a composed and ultimately deserved 2-1 victory over Croatia in their UEFA Nations League clash at Wembley on Friday, November 13, 2026, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner 12 minutes from time. The result strengthens England’s position at the top of their League A group and hands Croatia a first defeat of the campaign.

Match overview

Croatia made the brighter start and stunned the home crowd in the 18th minute when Andrej Kramaric finished calmly from the edge of the penalty area after England lost possession in midfield. The visitors sat in a compact mid-block and looked dangerous on the counter, but England gradually imposed their rhythm and equalised in the 34th minute through Bukayo Saka, who curled a precise left-footed effort into the far corner after a neat lay-off from Bellingham.

The second half was more controlled from England. Gareth Southgate’s side pushed Declan Rice higher alongside Bellingham and pinned Croatia back for long spells. The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when Bellingham arrived late in the box to meet a cut-back from the right and drove a low finish beyond Dominik Livakovic. Croatia pushed for a late equaliser, but England managed the closing stages well and protected their advantage.

Key moments

• 18th minute – Croatia take the lead: Kramaric punished a loose pass and found the bottom corner with a first-time strike from just outside the box.
• 34th minute – England equalise: Bellingham held the ball up intelligently before teeing up Saka, whose curling effort gave Livakovic no chance.
• 52nd minute – Pickford denies Croatia: Jordan Pickford produced a strong one-handed save to keep out a rising drive from the edge of the area.
• 78th minute – Bellingham wins it: England worked the ball wide before the cut-back found Bellingham, who side-footed home from around 12 yards.
• 90+4 minutes – Late resistance: Croatia won a corner and sent Livakovic forward, but England cleared the danger and saw out the win.

Tactical story

England lined up in a 4-3-3 with Rice anchoring the midfield and Bellingham operating in the advanced central role. That shape allowed England to dominate possession after a shaky opening, with Saka and Anthony Gordon stretching Croatia’s full-backs. England’s pressing also improved as the match wore on, forcing Croatia into longer clearances and reducing the influence of their midfield creators.

Croatia’s 4-2-3-1 was designed to absorb pressure and strike through Kramaric and the wide runners. It worked for half an hour, but once England equalised, the visitors struggled to keep the ball for sustained periods. Josko Gvardiol defended bravely, and Livakovic made several important saves, but Croatia’s resistance finally broke when Bellingham found space between the lines in the second half.

Standout performers

Bellingham was the standout figure, combining energy, physicality and composure in the final third. His assist for Saka and his winning goal underlined his importance to this England side. Saka was a constant threat on the right, while Rice’s reading of the game helped England regain control after the early setback. For Croatia, Kramaric took his goal well and Gvardiol produced a number of timely interventions, but the visitors lacked the same cutting edge in the second half.

What it means for the group

The win moves England to seven points from three Nations League matches and keeps them in control of their League A group. Croatia remain on four points and will need a response in their next fixture to stay in touch at the top. The head-to-head record now favours England, which could prove important if the group is decided by fine margins later in the campaign.

Looking ahead

England will take confidence from the manner of the comeback, particularly the second-half control they showed against a disciplined opponent. Croatia, meanwhile, will look to improve their finishing and ball retention in the final third. Both sides remain firmly in the race for group supremacy, but this was a night that belonged to England and to Bellingham’s late intervention.