The tournament might not kick-off for the best part of two years, but the extended international break offered some early clues as to how the challengers are shaping up
Croatian midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Kristijan Jakic shared their frustration after Spain snatched a late 2-1 victory in Split. The duo insisted Croatia showed crucial character following their heavy defeat to England.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about the immense difficulty of competing against Lionel Messi throughout their storied careers in Spain and on the international stage. Following the former Barcelona captain's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina, the current AC Milan midfielder offered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival.
Slaven Bilic has voiced his frustration following Croatia's narrow 2-1 Nations League defeat to Spain, hitting out at the antics of Marc Cucurella. Despite an improved performance from the Vatreni, the head coach felt his side were hard done by following a series of controversial refereeing calls in Rijeka.
Mikel Merino was the man of the hour for Spain once again, coming off the bench to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Split. Despite his match-winning brace, the Arsenal midfielder has opened up about the personal challenges he faces while playing a secondary role for both club and country.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side's competitive spirit after watching them fight back to beat Croatia 2-1. The head coach highlighted half-time substitute Mikel Merino as one of the world's best in his position.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain fought back to defeat Croatia 2-1 in Split. The Arsenal midfielder reacted to his match-winning performance that sent the world champions into the Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain midfielder Pedri has offered an intriguing insight into the elite mentality of teammate Lamine Yamal following La Roja's recent victory. Despite another influential performance on the international stage, the young winger was reportedly far from satisfied with his own display.
Mikel Merino emerged as the unlikely hero with a second-half brace as Spain came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 at the Stadion Poljud. The victory secures Luis de la Fuente's side a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Mikel Merino proved to be the hero once again as Spain fought back from a goal down to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Split. The Arsenal midfielder struck twice in the second half to ensure Luis de la Fuente's side extended their remarkable unbeaten run and booked their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Dani Olmo has opened up about the tempting offer he received to switch international allegiances to Croatia during his formative years in Zagreb. The Barcelona playmaker, who is now a cornerstone of the Spanish national team, admitted he was grateful for the interest but could never abandon his lifelong ambition.
Dani Olmo has issued a stern warning to his Spain team-mates, insisting that Croatia will be a "dangerous" animal following their recent embarrassment. The Barcelona star believes the wounded heavyweights will be desperate to restore their pride in Split after suffering a historic thrashing at the hands of England.
Dani Olmo is preparing for an emotional reunion as Spain travel to face Croatia in a match that carries deep personal significance for the playmaker. The former Barcelona youth product took a massive gamble on his career a decade ago, leaving La Masia to find his feet in the Balkans.
Luis de la Fuente has told his Spain players to ignore recent results and prepare for a battle against a world-class Croatia side in the UEFA Nations League. The La Roja boss believes their opponents remain one of the most formidable forces in international football despite recent setbacks.
Jude Bellingham has long been considered the crown jewel of English football, but Gary Lineker has now taken the hype to a historic new level. Following a masterclass in the Nations League, the former Three Lions striker has tipped the Real Madrid sensation to eventually surpass every legend in the nation's history.
England substitute Morgan Rogers described his side's 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia as a major statement for the team's new era under Thomas Tuchel. The Aston Villa attacker came off the bench to score England's seventh goal in Rijeka.
England winger Bukayo Saka expressed delight after scoring twice in a stunning 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia. The Arsenal forward praised his team's high-energy approach and clinical finishing during the historic away victory.
Slaven Bilic has expressed his profound shock and disappointment after Croatia slumped to their heaviest-ever defeat in a humiliating 7-0 loss to England at Rujevica. The Vatreni head coach, who only recently returned to the helm, admitted that such a performance is unforgivable for a nation of Croatia's standing.
Luka Modric has launched a scathing assessment of Croatia's performance following their record-breaking defeat at the hands of England. The veteran midfielder did not hold back after returning to the starting line-up, admitting that the nature of the loss has left him feeling a profound sense of embarrassment for the first time in his international career.
Harry Kane has explained the tactical freedom that makes England's formidable attacking quartet so devastating under Thomas Tuchel. Following a historic Nations League demolition of Croatia, Kane highlighted the relentless interchangeability between himself, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon, which he believes makes the frontline a complete nightmare for opposing defences.
Jude Bellingham produced a scintillating performance to guide England to a monumental 7-0 victory over Croatia in the Nations League. Bellingham scored one goal and provided three assists in a dominant display that has led to massive predictions about his future, with the player being backed to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Thomas Tuchel has heaped praise on his England players after they delivered a ruthless 7-0 dismantling of Croatia to take control of their Nations League group. The Three Lions were in irresistible form in Rijeka, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both netting twice in a historic victory.
England delivered a tactical masterclass in Rijeka, dismantling Croatia 7-0 in a one-sided UEFA Nations League encounter. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both netted braces as Thomas Tuchel's side asserted total dominance.
England delivered a performance for the ages in Rijeka, dismantling Croatia in a 7-0 Nations League rout that served as a definitive statement under Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions were utterly clinical from the first whistle, leaving the hosts shell-shocked in what became one of the most one-sided matches in recent international history.
Thomas Tuchel has offered his support to Raheem Sterling during what has become the most challenging chapter of the forward's professional life. The England manager, who previously worked with the winger at Chelsea, expressed his sadness at seeing a once-dominant Premier League force struggle both on and off the pitch.
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Croatia
