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England begin their 2026 World Cup group stage with a crunch fixture against long-time nemesis Croatia on Wednesday, as Thomas Tuchel’s side look to take early control of Group L.
England come into the game as favourites, with talisman striker Harry Kane once again set to lead the line. The Three Lions also boast strong options in midfield, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Declan Rice contenders to start for former Chelsea manager Tuchel.
The German’s squad selection caused some controversy when it was announced in May, but he has stressed his desire to pick a team rather than individuals – explaining his decision to leave the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, arguably one of England’s most naturally gifted players, at home.
The Croatian side is also a different force compared to when the two nations met in 2018.
Ivan Rakitic has long since retired from international football, and many of the country’s other stars are coming towards the end of their careers.
Winger Ivan Perišić is now 37 and Manchester City’s Mateo Kovačić is 32, while former Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić, 40, is one of the oldest players selected for the tournament. Although if Lionel Messi’s sublime performance in Argentina’s opening fixture against Algeria is anything to go by, Croatian fans need not worry too much.
Speaking about Croatia’s midfield ahead of the game, Tuchel said he expected Modrić and Kovačić to still be the “heartbeat” of the team, adding that Perišić would provide a serious threat with crosses from out wide.
“We know what it takes. It’s a strong team. We’re full of respect, but we’re also full of confidence,” he told reporters.
Nevertheless, English fans will not look too fondly on past clashes with Croatia, and those in attendance will no doubt remain wary as they make their way to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
England infamously missed out on qualifiying for Euro 2008 after losing to the Croats both home and away, including a final damning defeat to seal their fate at Wembley Stadium.
In 2018, a revamped, youthful England side led by manager Gareth Southgate made it all the way to the semifinals before Croatia once again broke English hearts with a 2-1 victory in Russia.
England have managed to turn the tables in more recent fixtures, but none have had quite the same significance or lasting impact of those defeats.
England will next face Ghana in Boston on 23 June, while Croatia will head to Toronto for a matchup against Panama.