The Three Lions’ Nations League away fixture against Croatia on October 3 will occur behind closed doors due to sanctions imposed on the host nation. This decision follows crowd trouble during last year's Nations League quarter-final against France, leading to a two-match punishment that includes fines and restrictions on fan attendance.

The Croatian Football Federation confirmed that the ban affects both the home match against England and an away game against the Czech Republic on September 26. They stated:

Due to the inappropriate behavior of some Croatian fans, Croatia will play its first away game without the presence of Croatian fans and its first home game without an audience.

Initially, England fans were entirely barred from attending, but the federation later permitted the distribution of 100 complimentary tickets to them. Additionally, between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian pupils will be allowed entry to watch the match at Stadion HNK Rijeka.

This situation mirrors a similar incident in October 2018, where fans were prohibited from traveling to a Nations League match in Rijeka, although many still attempted to watch from a nearby hill.

In their recent fixtures, England kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 loss to Spain on September 26 and secured a 2-0 victory against Czechia on September 29, with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Following the match against Croatia, England will host the Czechs again on October 6 and face Croatia at home on November 12. The knockout stages of the Nations League are scheduled for next year.