England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday when they meet Croatia in a blockbuster Group L meeting.
The Three Lions are heavily fancied to go all the way, but they face a tricky first test against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Match Preview
England became the first European team to qualify for the World Cup, winning all their eight group matches.
Thomas Tuchel’s men were far from their best in the friendlies against Uruguay, Japan and New Zealand.
However, they bounced back with a dominant 4-0 triumph over Costa Rica last week to end their World Cup preparations on a positive note.
Croatia famously defeated England 2-1 in Russia on their way to the 2018 World Cup final, which they eventually lost to France.
But their recent showing at a major tournament hasn’t been encouraging, as they crashed out of Euro 2024 in the group stage without a single win to their name.
Team News
Tuchel doesn’t have many fitness concerns, but Bukayo Saka’s availability is doubtful as he is reportedly struggling to prove his fitness in time.
His Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke could therefore feature on the right wing.
Meanwhile, Croatia enter this game with all their key stars available, including Luka Modric who has now reached the age of 40.
England vs Croatia predicted XI
England: Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Croatia: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa
England vs Croatia prediction
England are stacked with quality in almost every position, including Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson.
Croatia are no pushovers either, but we don’t see them beating the Three Lions on Wednesday.
England 1-0 Croatia