PARIS — Spain fought back against Croatia to win 2-1 in Split yesterday and remain perfect in Nations League Group A3 while Harry Kane continued his hot form as England beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to stay second.

The victory in Split preserved Spain’s long unbeaten run and ensured they will finish in the top two in the four-team group and advance to the quarter-finals.

England stayed three points behind Spain with a home win and will advance to the last four if they do not lose their next game at home to Croatia by eight or more goals.

In their previous match, Croatia capitulated 7-0 to England up the Dalmatian coast at Rijeka. Because of a ban brought on by persistent fan racism, that crowd was made up of 6,000 children under the age of 14.

In a very different atmosphere, Croatia gave a spikier performance and took the lead after 17 minutes. Unai Simon dived to save a low drive from Igor Matanovic but only pushed the ball into the air. Ivan Perisic, a former teammate of Kane at Tottenham, nodded the ball home.

While Spain dominated first-half possession, Croatia created the most dangerous chances and Matanovic could have doubled the lead.

Spain’s pressure told after 61 minutes, Dani Olmo collected a poor clearance and rolled the ball to substitute Mikel Merino who had space to pick his spot.

Perisic had earned a yellow card for an excited lunge soon after scoring. That turned into a costly sending off when he was booked again after 79 minutes for a push on Marc Cucurella.

With a minute of normal time left, Merino found space in the box to turn and drive home  the winner.

“Another game in which it was my turn to score from the bench,” Merino told TVE, adding: “I’ll go out there with the best possible attitude even while frustrated about not being able to play more... but this team is a family and that always shows.”