England vs Croatia Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

England vs Croatia Match Summary

England and Croatia renew one of international soccer's most compelling recent rivalries when they open World Cup Group L on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

England arrive in the United States riding an unblemished qualifying campaign — eight wins from eight — and carrying legitimate title aspirations under Thomas Tuchel.

Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022, enter with tournament pedigree but face questions about an aging core's ability to deliver once more.

England won the last competitive meeting 1-0 at Euro 2020, and the overall head-to-head record across their last six meetings tilts firmly in England's favor at four wins to one.

England vs Croatia Form

England posted a perfect 8-0-0 qualifying record, scoring 22 goals and — remarkably — conceding zero. Harry Kane led the charge with eight goals in eight qualifiers, cementing himself as the focal point of Tuchel's attack. That kind of defensive solidity heading into a major tournament is rare and speaks to a well-drilled squad.

Croatia topped their UEFA qualifying group with seven wins and one draw, but pre-tournament friendlies raised red flags: a 3-1 loss to Brazil and a 2-0 defeat to Belgium exposed defensive vulnerabilities. A 2-1 win over Slovenia in their final warm-up on June 7 steadied the ship, though concerns linger about their backline against elite opposition.

England vs Croatia Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

England: None reported

Croatia: None reported

England

England’s key selection decisions appear to revolve around centre-back, the left wing and the No.10 position. Anthony Gordon could earn a start ahead of Marcus Rashford after impressing against Costa Rica, while Jude Bellingham is expected to operate just behind Harry Kane. John Stones looks certain to start, with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa competing for the spot alongside him in central defense. Nico O'Reilly and Reece James will play as full-backs.

Croatia

Croatia have no injury concerns ahead of this game, and are expected to stick with a familiar XI, with veteran Luka Modrić — now 40 and featuring at his final major tournament — set to partner Mateo Kovačić in midfield. Ivan Perišić is set to start on the left flank, while young defender Luka Vušković could be handed his tournament debut. Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol is expected to start at left-back.

England vs Croatia Predicted Lineup

England

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: J. Pickford; R. James, J. Stones, M. Guéhi, N. O'Reilly; D. Rice, E. Anderson; B. Saka, J. Bellingham, A. Gordon; H. Kane

Croatia

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: D. Livaković; J. Stanišić, J. Šutalo, L. Vušković, J. Gvardiol; L. Modrić, M. Kovačić; M. Baturina, A. Kramarić, I. Perišić; A. Budimir

England vs Croatia Key Stats & Match Facts

• Harry Kane scored eight goals in eight qualifying appearances — a goal-per-game return that underlines his importance as England's offensive focal point at this tournament.
• In the six previous meetings between these teams, England have won four, Croatia one, with one draw.
• The most recent competitive matchup ended 1-0 in England's favor during the Euro 2020 group stage.
• England registered a perfect 8-0-0 qualifying record, scoring 22 goals while conceding none — an exceptional defensive foundation entering a major tournament.
• Croatia finished top of their UEFA qualifying group with seven wins and one draw, but lost two of their last three pre-tournament friendlies.

England vs Croatia Talking Points

The storyline everyone will be watching is the midfield battle. England's double pivot of Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo — aggressive, young, and physically dominant — will look to suffocate Croatia's possession game, which still runs through 40-year-old Luka Modrić. Modrić, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, will wear a protective carbon-fiber face mask after fracturing his cheekbone.

It's a fitting image for a player who has never backed down from anything, but the physical toll on Croatia's aging core could be amplified by the expected heat and humidity in Arlington. Thomas Tuchel makes his major tournament debut as England head coach, and his defensively rigid setup — which yielded zero goals conceded through eight qualifiers — suggests England will rely on their defensive shape and look for Kane to capitalize on turnovers.

England vs Croatia Predictions FAQs

When is the England vs Croatia World Cup game?

The England vs Croatia World Cup match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Where is the England vs Croatia match being played?

The match will be played at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, as part of the 2026 World Cup.

Where can I watch England vs Croatia?

In the United States, the match can be watched live on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish), or streamed on the FOX Sports App and Peacock.

What is the England vs Croatia prediction?

England are expected to enter as favorites given their perfect qualifying record and strong defensive form. Croatia's tournament pedigree makes them dangerous, but questions about their aging squad and recent friendly losses suggest England hold the edge in this Group L opener.

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