England booked their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November 2026, thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and captain Harry Kane.

The Three Lions came from a goal down in the second half to take the points in the League A Group 3 matchday five fixture, and the result leaves Thomas Tuchel’s side second in the group on 12 points, nine clear of third-placed Croatia.

Rogers breaks the deadlock

Rogers gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute, finishing after a pass from Jude Bellingham, and England led 1-0 at the break. The goal rewarded a bright opening from the home side, who had already beaten Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka last month and arrived at Wembley as firm favourites.

That heavy defeat in Croatia was still fresh in the visitors’ minds, but they refused to fold this time. They regrouped at half-time and came out with far more intent after the restart.

Sucic levels, Kane responds

Croatia drew level in the 59th minute when Petar Sučić swivelled and fired from close range into the roof of the net, restoring parity and briefly silencing Wembley.

England’s response was swift. Five minutes later, Jarell Quansah won a penalty after being impeded by a tug of his shirt in the box, and Kane made no mistake, slotting his strike straight down the middle to restore the lead in his 126th cap.

There were no further goals, and England saw out the closing stages to confirm their place in the last eight.

Kane returned to Wembley to a rapturous ovation, 17 days after being crowned the best player in the world at the London Palladium, and he repaid the crowd with the decisive goal. His penalty was the kind of composed finish England have come to expect from their captain, and it underlined why Tuchel continues to build his side around the striker. England’s defensive frailties were exposed at times, as they were in the World Cup opener against the same opponents, but the result keeps their momentum firmly intact.

Quarter-final place secured

The win guarantees England a quarter-final spot with a game to spare. Having already qualified, they will travel to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday night, hoping to avenge defeat against the world champions and finish in top spot in the group.

Croatia, meanwhile, host the Czech Republic on the same day as they look to finish their group campaign on a positive note.

Goals: Morgan Rogers 24′, Harry Kane 64′ (pen) (England); Petar Sučić 59′ (Croatia). England 2-1 Croatia, UEFA Nations League League A Group 3, matchday 5, Wembley Stadium, London.

Source: VAVEL and UEFA.