England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a firm warning to his squad to avoid a “holiday mode” mentality ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia. Despite the match taking place in the coastal city of Rijeka, Tuchel emphasized that the competitive nature of Group A3 requires absolute professionalism, regardless of the unusual atmosphere expected at the Stadion HNK Rijeka.
The manager’s concerns stem from the combination of the Mediterranean setting and a stadium that will be technically closed to the general public. Tuchel noted that the environment could easily mimic a relaxed pre-season friendly or a training session, a vibe he is determined to suppress as England looks to build momentum in the competition.
The Schoolchildren Loophole
While the match on October 3 is officially being played “behind closed doors” due to UEFA sanctions, the stands will not be silent. The sanctions, which date back to crowd disturbances during a Croatia-France match in March 2025, prohibit the sale of tickets to the general public. However, a specific UEFA regulation allows children under the age of 14 from local schools and football academies to attend such fixtures.
Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren are expected to fill a significant portion of the 8,279-capacity stadium. This “loophole” often creates a unique, high-pitched atmosphere that differs significantly from a standard empty-stadium game. To ensure some away presence, a small delegation of roughly 100 to 200 members of the England Supporters Travel Club has also been granted access.
Group A3 Standings and Form
The stakes for the Saturday evening kickoff remain high as the group stage takes shape. England currently sits second in Group A3, having earned three points from their opening two matches. This follows a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague on September 29 and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Spain.
A win in Rijeka would solidify England’s position and keep pressure on the group leaders. Conversely, dropping points in a “holiday” atmosphere would complicate their path to the knockout stages. Tuchel’s tactical approach is expected to rely on the continued leadership of captain Harry Kane, though the squad has seen minor adjustments this week.
In terms of personnel, England will be without Nico O’Reilly, who was withdrawn from the squad shortly before the team traveled to Croatia. No immediate replacement was named, leaving Tuchel to work with the remaining core that secured the clean-sheet victory in Prague earlier this week.
The clash serves as a critical test of discipline for a side that has shown flashes of high-level performance under Tuchel but has yet to demonstrate consistent dominance across ninety minutes. By addressing the potential for a “pre-season vibe” early, the coaching staff aims to ensure the players treat the Rijeka trip as a business operation rather than a coastal excursion.
