England had plenty of chances to take the lead in what was a soulless stadium - Croatia's fans were serving a UEFA ban - though were unable to make the decisive breakthrough.
However, manager Gareth Southgate praised his side for their performance, and believes England reinforced their status as an emerging international force.
Speaking after the game, Southgate remarked: "They're hugely proud to play in the shirt. We talked just before the game [about the empty stadium].
"But good teams adapt. Good teams, whatever the circumstances or the atmosphere or the pitch, find a way of playing. I was pleased the players did that tonight.
"I think the application of the players was superb. There was no let up in their work ethic throughout the game. Defensively they were really strong, showed good enthusiasm to play, and our performance was really good.
Southgate also explained his decision to move from his usually 3-5-2 formation to a more attacking 4-3-3.
"The three at the back, the 3-5-2, allowed some players to bed into international football. People like Harry Maguire, going into the World Cup, I felt we needed a bit more protection for the defence and the opportunity to get two forwards in the game.
"Now the players are more established and look comfortable. I don't think you should ever be rigid and stick to a formations and say that is it, I wanted to look at a back four as without the ball we have suffered a little bit because of the shape and I look at the young players coming through, then there is wide players and number eights who might suit that system.
"We have got to keep learning it but I thought the team executed it really well."