Group L: England vs Croatia Match Preview, FIFA World Cup 2026

Eight years on from that fateful night in Moscow, where Croatia shattered English dreams with a 2-1 extra-time victory, the two nations meet again with plenty at stake. England, seeking to end a 60-year major tournament drought, enter the tournament as one of the favourites, while Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, look to prove they remain a force on the global stage.

Match Summary

England’s journey to North America was flawless. Thomas Tuchel’s side became the first European team to qualify for the tournament, winning all eight of their qualifying matches without conceding a single goal. They scored 22 goals in the process, demonstrating a formidable blend of attacking potency and defensive solidity that has made them genuine contenders.

However, preparation form has been mixed. A draw with Uruguay and a surprise defeat to Japan, their first ever loss to an Asian team, raised some concerns . A hard-fought victory over New Zealand followed, before a more convincing 3-0 win against Costa Rica in their final warm-up fixture . Despite the mixed results, Tuchel has a squad packed with talent in their prime. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Kane all represent a golden generation for the Three Lions.

Croatia, in contrast, arrive with a point to prove after a forgettable EURO 2024, where they exited in the group stage without a single victory . Zlatko Dalić’s team quickly rebounded, dropping only two points in eight World Cup qualifiers to convincingly top their group . They have maintained their identity as a highly organised and resilient side, always capable of grinding out results . Their preparations have also shown mixed returns, with losses to Brazil and Belgium followed by a 2-1 victory over Slovenia.

Head-to-Head History

The overall head-to-head record favours England. Of the 11 previous meetings, England have won six, Croatia three, with two draws . However, Croatia’s victories have carried significant weight.

The most painful English memory remains the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Mario Mandžukić’s extra-time goal crushed their hopes of reaching the final . England also missed out on qualification for EURO 2008 following a famous 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley.

Since that 2018 World Cup loss, however, England have been unbeaten against Croatia. They drew 0-0 in the Nations League before a 2-1 victory in the return fixture, and most recently, a 1-0 win at EURO 2020 . This recent record will give the Three Lions confidence heading into the opener.

England Probable Lineup (4-3-3)

Croatia Probable Lineup (4-3-3)

Tactical Outlook

Tuchel is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation . Jordan Pickford is certain to start in goal behind a backline that has been impacted by injury. Right-back Tino Livramento has been forced to withdraw from the squad with a calf injury, meaning Reece James is expected to start . John Stones, Marc Guéhi, and Ezri Konsa are competing for the centre-back positions, while 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly is tipped for a landmark start at left-back.

In midfield, Declan Rice will anchor the team, likely alongside Elliot Anderson . Jude Bellingham is expected to edge out Morgan Rogers for the advanced number ten role, supporting captain Harry Kane up front . Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke are expected to provide width, especially with Bukayo Saka recovering from an achilles issue.

Croatia are likely to adopt a 3-4-3 formation . Dominik Livaković will start in goal, with a back three of Josip Šutalo, promising teenager Luka Vušković, and Joško Gvardiol . Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanišić and veteran Ivan Perišić are expected to operate as wing-backs.

The midfield remains Croatia’s greatest strength and most critical area. The ageless Luka Modrić, alongside Mateo Kovačić and Luka Sučić, offer a mix of experience, press resistance and creativity that few teams can match . Further forward, Martin Baturina has been identified as one of Croatia’s most dangerous players, while FC Dallas striker Petar Musa is expected to lead the lin .

What to Expect

This is likely to be a tight, cagey affair. Both teams are experienced and tactically astute, and as the opening game of the group, neither will want to start with a defeat . A draw would be a satisfactory result for both sides, keeping them firmly on track for qualification from Group L, which also includes Panama and Ghana.

Given the quality on the pitch and the history between these nations, the game could well be decided by a single moment of brilliance or a defensive lapse. England’s superior squad depth and recent form make them slight favourites, but Croatia’s experience, resilience, and tournament pedigree mean they can never be discounted. The match kicks off at 9pm BST on Wednesday, 17 June . All eyes will be on Arlington for what promises to be a fascinating World Cup opener.

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