England vs Croatia prediction: World Cup 2026 preview, team news, lineups & h2h

• Here is the England vs Croatia prediction article for World Cup 2026 which breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
• The match will be stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday June 17.
• Kick off set for 11pm EAT.

England begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a heavyweight Group L clash against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the Three Lions look to take an important first step towards ending their long wait for global glory.

Thomas Tuchel’s side enter the tournament among the favourites after an impressive qualification campaign that saw them secure eight wins from eight matches while keeping clean sheets in every game.

However, recent performances in warm-up fixtures have shown that there is still room for improvement, particularly in attack.

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England struggled to convince in friendlies against Uruguay, Japan and New Zealand, raising questions about their ability to consistently break down organised opposition.

Those concerns eased somewhat after a comfortable victory over Costa Rica in their final preparation match, where Tuchel fielded a stronger and more balanced lineup.

The Three Lions have traditionally made solid starts at World Cup, losing only one of their last eight opening matches in the competition.

With Harry Kane leading the attack and several Premier League stars entering the tournament in strong form, England will be confident of beginning with three points.

Croatia, meanwhile, arrive in North America once again carrying the reputation of major tournament specialists. The Vatreni finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022, proving their ability to compete with the world’s elite despite a comparatively smaller player pool.

Zlatko Dalic’s side qualified impressively, dropping just two points during their campaign, but their preparations have not been entirely smooth.

Consecutive defeats against Brazil and Belgium exposed defensive vulnerabilities before a narrow victory over Slovenia restored some confidence heading into the tournament.

Despite concerns surrounding an ageing core, Croatia still possess plenty of quality through experienced figures such as Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic, while younger talents continue to emerge throughout the squad.

The meeting also brings back memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final when Croatia defeated England after extra time on their way to the final. However, England have remained unbeaten in the three meetings since then and will feel they have an opportunity to make a strong statement in their tournament opener.

Kick-off is scheduled for 11:00 PM EAT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.

England have few injury concerns ahead of the opener, although Bukayo Saka remains a slight doubt after fitness issues in recent weeks. Should he fail to start, Noni Madueke is expected to feature on the right wing.

Jude Bellingham is likely to reclaim his place behind Harry Kane, while Declan Rice should anchor the midfield. Anthony Gordon is also expected to feature in attack as Tuchel settles on what is likely to be his strongest available lineup.

Defensively, John Stones and Ezri Konsa are pushing for starting roles, while Jordan Pickford remains England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

Croatia travel to Texas with a fully fit squad and plenty of experience available. Veteran captain Luka Modric is expected to orchestrate play from midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic, while Ivan Perisic remains an important attacking outlet.

Petar Musa could be handed the striker’s role following his impressive goalscoring form in Major League Soccer, while highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic is expected to feature alongside Josko Gvardiol in the back line.

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England possible starting XI: Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Croatia possible starting XI: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa

The most memorable meeting between these nations remains Croatia’s extra-time victory in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, a result that denied England a place in the final.

However, England have responded well in recent encounters and are unbeaten in their last three matches against Croatia.

The Three Lions also enter the tournament with strong overall form, having won six of their last eight matches in all competitions.

Croatia’s record remains respectable, but recent defeats against top-level opposition have highlighted defensive issues. Dalic’s side have conceded in each of their last six matches, which could be a concern against England’s attacking quality.

This promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round, with both sides possessing enough quality and experience to advance from Group L.

Croatia’s midfield remains one of the most technically gifted in international football, but England appear to have greater depth across the pitch and arrive with a younger, more dynamic squad.

The Three Lions should enjoy more attacking threat through Kane, Bellingham and Gordon, while Croatia’s recent defensive struggles could prove costly against elite opposition.

Expect a competitive contest, but England may have just enough quality to start their World Cup campaign with a victory.

Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:

France national football team 2026

​Morocco national football team 2026

​Argentina national football team 2026

​Mexico national football team 2026

​Spain national football team 2026

Brazil national football team 2026