Slaven Bilic has emphasized that Croatia must “take special care” of captain Luka Modric as the national team prepares for a critical UEFA Nations League encounter against England. The 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder remains the centerpiece of the Croatian side, but his workload is being closely monitored by Bilic during his second tenure as national coach.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, comes at a pivotal moment for Croatia following a defeat to Spain on September 29. Modric, who scored the opening goal of the campaign in a 2-1 victory over Czechia, continues to be the primary engine of the midfield, yet Bilic noted the necessity of managing the veteran’s minutes to preserve his effectiveness for the full 90 minutes against elite opposition.
Atmosphere at Stadion HNK Rijeka
The fixture will be held under unusual circumstances at the Stadion HNK Rijeka. Due to UEFA sanctions resulting from crowd disturbances during a match against France in March 2025, the game will be played behind closed doors. This lack of home support adds a layer of difficulty for a Croatian side looking to rebound from their recent loss and keep pace in the group standings.
Both Croatia and England currently sit on three points after two matches. They trail group leaders Spain, who have maintained a perfect record with six points. For Bilic, the match is not only about the points but also about stabilizing a squad that struggled defensively in their last outing.
Bilic’s praise for his captain highlights the unique role Modric plays in the dressing room. Speaking ahead of the clash, Bilic praised the icon for his enduring quality and leadership, suggesting that his presence on the pitch is as much about tactical structure as it is about individual skill.
England enters the match with their own tactical adjustments under manager Thomas Tuchel. After a 2-0 win over Czechia, England’s campaign has been a mixture of results so far, including a 3-2 loss to Spain in their opening fixture, making this head-to-head with Croatia a deciding factor for second place in Group A3.
