Group 3 returns to the spotlight in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League on Tuesday the 6th of October as Croatia host Spain and England welcome Czech Republic. Spain are looking to maintain their perfect record, while England return home after scoring seven without reply in Croatia. We take a closer look at both fixtures from a betting perspective below.
Croatia vs Spain – click here to bet
Croatia started their campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Czech Republic but have since suffered two heavy defeats, losing 4-1 in Spain before being beaten 7-0 at home by England on Saturday.
The Croatians fell behind in the 8th minute against England and conceded again in the 21st. Their situation worsened as further goals in the 39th and 45th minutes left them trailing 4-0 at half time.
There was little relief after the interval, with England adding goals in the 53rd, 68th and 87th minutes. Croatia remain third in Group 3 with three points, having conceded 11 goals across their last two matches.
Spain have won all three of their opening fixtures, following a 3-2 away victory against England with home wins of 4-1 over Croatia and 3-1 against Czech Republic.
Lamine Yamal gave Spain an early advantage against the Czechs on Saturday, opening the scoring in the 6th minute. Rodri doubled their lead in the 35th, putting the hosts firmly in control at the break.
Czech Republic pulled a goal back in the 69th minute to put the result back in doubt but Mikel Merino struck in the 89th to secure the victory. Spain lead Group 3 with nine points and have scored ten goals in their opening three matches.
Head-to-Head
Spain have recorded five wins across the last six meetings between the nations, with Croatia winning once.
Their latest encounter ended in a convincing 4-1 home victory for Spain last Tuesday. Spain also beat Croatia 3-0 at the Euro 2024, while Croatia’s most recent victory in this fixture was a 3-2 home success in the Nations League in 2018.
Match Odds (1X2)
Croatia 10.00
Draw 6.50
Spain 1.29
Verdict
Croatia face a difficult task rebuilding their confidence after conceding seven against England, particularly with the group leaders next up. Spain have scored at least three goals in every match and comfortably won the reverse fixture a week ago. The hosts will be desperate to respond but their recent defensive performances make Spain my selection to extend their winning start in a high scoring matchup.
BET: Match Result and Totals – Spain and Over 3.5 Goals at 2.40
England vs Czech Republic – click here to bet
England have responded strongly to their opening 3-2 home defeat against Spain, winning 2-0 away to Czech Republic before delivering a commanding 7-0 victory in Croatia on Saturday.
Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 8th minute against Croatia before Jude Bellingham added a second in the 21st. Anthony Gordon struck in the 39th minute and Bukayo Saka made it four in the 45th, giving England a comfortable half time advantage.
Kane scored his second in the 53rd minute, with Saka completing his own double in the 68th. Morgan Rogers added the seventh in the 87th minute to round off an emphatic performance, leaving England second in Group 3 with six points, three behind Spain.
Czech Republic are still searching for their first point after three consecutive defeats. They lost 2-1 at home to Croatia and 2-0 against England before settling for a 3-1 away defeat to Spain last weekend.
The Czechs conceded early on against Spain and fell further behind in the 35th to reach half time trailing 2-0. Jiri Slama reduced the deficit in the 69th minute, giving the visitors hope of recovering a point.
Their comeback remained incomplete, however, and Spain added a third in the 89th minute to settle the contest. Czech Republic remain bottom of Group 3 with two goals scored and seven conceded ahead of another demanding away fixture.
Head-to-Head
England have won four of the last six meetings between the nations, with Czech Republic recording one victory and the other encounter ending in a draw.
England claimed a 2-0 away win in the reverse fixture last Tuesday and also won 1-0 during the Euro 2020 group stage. Their last home meeting with Czech Republic ended in a 5-0 victory in the Euro qualifying in 2019.
Match Odds (1X2)
England 1.14
Draw 10.00
Czech Republic 20.00
Verdict
England return home with confidence after scoring nine goals without conceding across their last two matches. Their attacking quality was clear in Croatia, where five different players found the net, and they have already beaten the Czechs away in this campaign. The visitors showed some resistance in Spain but have struggled to keep opponents out. I am backing England to maintain the pressure on the group leaders with another victory while maintaining yet another clean sheet.
BET: Match Result and Both Teams to Score – England and No at 1.80
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