An England supporter described a unique experience attending the England-Croatia football match held on Saturday in Rijeka, Croatia. The match was officially played behind closed doors due to a UEFA sanction against the Croatian Football Federation, but 100 tickets were allocated to England fans by the Football Association (FA).
The fan, who has attended more than 200 England games since 2003 and over 120 away fixtures, recounted the challenges and excitement involved in attending the match. Having already planned to attend a previous game in Prague, the fan swiftly arranged travel and accommodation to reach Rijeka, choosing to fly into Pula before traveling by bus to the Adriatic port city.
The stadium, which holds 8,200 spectators, hosted the limited group of England supporters alongside approximately 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren, who were allowed entry despite the UEFA ban on general spectators. The England fan noted the hospitality extended to supporters, including entrance through the directors’ lounge and a complimentary drink provided by the FA.
On the field, England delivered a dominant performance, decisively beating Croatia. The fan described this England side as the best in 25 years, ranking it even above teams from the early 2000s that featured prominent players such as David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Paul Scholes. The presence of the schoolchildren appeared to contribute positively to the atmosphere, with their enthusiastic support persisting regardless of the scoreline.
The match represented a special moment for the small contingent of England supporters present. The fan, 53 years old with 319 “caps” — a term used to denote the number of England games attended — said the experience stood out amid numerous away games over two decades, including trips to cities like Samara, Russia, and the notable Euro 2016 fixture against Iceland. The limited ticket allocation meant even some fans with higher attendance records were unable to secure passes for the game, highlighting the select nature of the event.
Unlike typical away trips where fans tend to break into smaller groups, the Rijeka match fostered a communal atmosphere among the England supporters, all described as dedicated and friendly. The fan reflected on the gathering as a rare chance to share stories and camaraderie with fellow long-term followers of the national team.
For this supporter, the England-Croatia match in Rijeka offered a memorable and distinctive addition to a lifelong commitment to following England football, underscoring the value found in shared experiences even in unusual circumstances.