England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday night with a heavyweight Group L clash against Croatia in Dallas.
It is a fixture that immediately brings back memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, when Croatia stunned Gareth Southgate’s side en route to the final. Eight years on, a new-look England team will be looking to make the perfect start under Thomas Tuchel.
The starting line-ups have now been confirmed and there are a couple of major talking points.
Tuchel has handed starts to Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke on either side of captain Harry Kane, with Bukayo Saka only fit enough for a place on the bench. Jude Bellingham will operate in the number ten role behind Kane, while Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson make up the midfield trio.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to place their faith in veteran captain Luka Modric, who makes his 199th international appearance. Interestingly, Mateo Kovacic starts on the bench, with Zlatko Dalic opting for Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic alongside Modric in midfield.
With both teams expected to qualify from a group that also contains Ghana and Panama, three points here could prove crucial in the battle for top spot.
England to Win
Madueke and Gordon bring direct pace on both flanks, while Bellingham’s advanced role should allow him to support Kane far more frequently than in previous tournaments. Croatia still possess plenty of quality, but the decision to leave Kovacic on the bench places even more responsibility on the 40-year-old Modric to control the midfield.
England also arrived at the tournament in excellent qualifying form, becoming the first UEFA nation to book their place after winning every qualifier and keeping clean sheets throughout the campaign.
With greater athleticism across the pitch and more attacking depth available from the bench, England look well placed to start with a victory.
Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer
Whenever England enter a major tournament, Harry Kane remains the most reliable goalscoring option.
The Bayern Munich striker is still the focal point of Tuchel’s attack and should benefit from the creativity around him. Gordon and Madueke are both natural wingers who look to supply crosses and cut-backs, while Bellingham’s forward runs will create additional space for Kane inside the penalty area.
Croatia’s defence remains experienced but lacks the pace it once possessed, and Kane’s movement between the centre-backs could prove decisive.
Score Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
