England are about to kick-start their 2026 World Cup campaign with arguably their toughest opponent in Group L up first in Croatia. While it feels like a long-time coming, this opener for England will allow them to hopefully erase some of the recent disappointments at the hands of Croatia, most notably in 2018 as their opponents beat England to move into the final. As a result, some of the players who remain from the 2018 squad will be even more keen to get off to a fast start and lay down a marker in their group, knowing a win in the opening game all-but ensures qualification in this expanded format.

In this preview, we will be looking ahead to the game and talking about the team news for both sides, form coming into the tournament, key battles to look out for and of course our prediction for how this one could play out this evening.

Let us know your thoughts on this game and England at the World Cup using our social media channels, and check back with us tomorrow after the game where we will have our review of the action and looking ahead to the remaining group games.

Team News

For both sides the team news remains fairly clear as this opening game hasn’t seen any major notable absentees at this early stage.

England however have had a couple of setbacks, with Tino Livramento unable to take part in the tournament due to an injury, he’s been replaced in the squad by Trevoh Chalobah which perhaps raised a few eyebrows given the position of Livramento and Chalobah, and given the limited full-back options Tuchel has chosen, while the likes of Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain at home.

Meanwhile, there are some questions on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, with the former being discussed around fatigue given the long and gruelling campaign for Arsenal he has been involved in. With Saka, the same could be said, however his seems more of an actual injury to nurse and so minutes could be limited for him in the opening group game to ensure his availability at a later date.

With Croatia, their experienced names are all likely to feature, with Modric and Perisic among those experienced names who have kept themselves fit and available for this likely final tournament outing for both. There are other notable names in the squad and likely to feature, including Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol who has already been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, while Inter’s Petar Sucic, Bayern’s Josip Stanisic and Manchester City’s other Croatian Mateo Kovacic are all likely to feature in this clash.

Form

England arrive at the World Cup in confident mood after an encouraging series of warm-up fixtures.

The Three Lions have looked sharp in possession, creating plenty of chances while maintaining their defensive organisation. Tuchel’s side have rotated heavily throughout the preparation period, allowing several fringe players to impress while ensuring the core of the squad enters the tournament fresh.

Perhaps most encouraging has been England’s attacking variety. Rather than relying solely on Harry Kane, goals have come from multiple areas of the pitch, with wide players and midfield runners consistently contributing.

The performances haven’t been perfect, but England have built positive momentum at exactly the right time

Croatia’s preparation has followed a familiar pattern. Never the most spectacular side in friendly matches, Dalić’s team have instead focused on tactical organisation, defensive compactness and maintaining possession under pressure.

Results during the warm-up schedule have been solid rather than spectacular, but Croatia have shown they remain incredibly difficult to break down. They continue to thrive in tight games, making them dangerous opponents in tournament football.

If history has taught us anything, it’s never to underestimate Croatia once a major competition begins.

Key Battles

With the key battle’s it’s likely to be across the whole pitch where we see these taking place, as Croatia will likely have to defend for large spells, but certainly won’t be afraid to get forward when the opportunity arises.

A main battle I expect will be Harry Kane vs Josko Gvardiol, as Kane is England’s main outlet and will likely seek to drop deep and leave the Croatian defence with a decision on whether to follow the England captain, or allow him to drop off and pick up the ball while others run on. Gvardiol is of course a name several England players play alongside week to week, so this could be intriguing.

Additionally, keep an eye on the battles in the midfield with Modric and possibly Kovacic coming up against Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. In what feels like a changing of the guard, this midfield difference marks one of the world’s best coming to an end of his career against a player in Declan Rice who is arguably at the peak of his. With England wanting to have the majority of the ball and play quickly against their opponents, Modric could quite easily dictate the tempo of things for his side if given too much licence.

Prediction

Opening matches are rarely straightforward, and Croatia have built a reputation as one of international football’s toughest tournament opponents despite the ageing squad, and they will fear no side in this tournament given their recent history at World Cups.

England possess greater attacking firepower and the stronger squad overall, but they will need patience against Croatia’s disciplined defensive structure.

A narrow England victory feels the most likely outcome, although a draw would surprise nobody.

Predicted score: England 2-1 Croatia

Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on this game and England at the World Cup using our social media channels, and check back with us tomorrow after the game where we will have our review of the action and looking ahead to the remaining group games.