Where to watch Croatia vs France in the UEFA Nations League

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, UEFA Nations League

A reunion between the 2018 World Cup finalists will be on the cards when Croatia and France lock horns in the UEFA Nations League.

Preview: Croatia vs France

After very disappointing results from their respective UEFA Nations League openers against Austria and Denmark respectively, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia and France will prepare to do battle as each team will be keen on picking up a much needed win.

France's 2-1 loss to Denmark also came at a high price, as both Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane sustained injuries that have ruled them out for the trip to Croatia. In addition, the reigning World Cup champions had to make do without head coach Didier Deschamps, who had to depart the team camp after his father passed away. Interim boss Guy Stephens is expected to take charge of the squad for Monday evening's encounter. Of major concern for Les Bleus is despite Karim Benzema giving them a well-deserved lead, they capitulated to see Denmark score two goals sans reply and thus ended a seven match winning streak for them across all comps.

It also marks the first loss for France since their surprise defeat to Switzerland at EURO 2020 last summer, but what will certainly give their team and fans hope is Croatia's lousy record against Les Bleus. Including their 4-2 loss in the 2018 World Cup final, the Vatreni have never beaten France in their entire history, with two draws and six losses from their eight prior games.

Zlatko Dalic's side also lost their opening match, going down 3-0 against Austria. It has been a tough past few years for Croatia, who have struggled to reach the same heights they did during their shock run to the 2018 World Cup final. That being said, prior to their loss to Austria, the Vatreni had managed to string together some solid results, and were aiming to make it a tenth game sans defeat across all comps.

Now, they will need to pick themselves up and take on a side that they have never beaten since becoming an independent nation back in the 1990s. In looking at this group, many had expected it to be France and then Croatia occupying the top spots, but as of now, it is Austria and Denmark who are in control of proceedings. However, given that those two sides will go head to head, one - or both - will end up dropping points, and could present a great chance for France or Croatia to get back on track.

Match facts: Croatia vs France

Croatia have never beaten France in their entire history, with two draws and six losses from their eight prior games

Team news: Croatia vs France

Croatia: Ivan Perisic missed out during Croatia's last game and could be a major doubt here, while both Josko Gvardiol and Sime Vrsaljko are still dealing with their own injury issues. Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric was only fit to come off the bench but is expected to feature in the starting XI after being given a bit of rest against Austria.

France: Les Bleus have been dealt a major blow with the likely absence of star man Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury. In addition, defender Raphael Varane limped off during the match against Denmark and will also miss this game due a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if N'Golo Kante makes an appearance after the Chelsea star has struggled with fitness for his club this season.