England vs Croatia: Kane and Modrić set for World Cup showdown

England begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign tonight when they face Croatia in a highly anticipated Group L clash at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas.

The match marks England’s first major tournament outing under manager Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed with the goal of ending the country’s long wait for international silverware.

Match details

Kick-off time

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

• Texas: 15:00 CDT
• United Kingdom: 21:00 BST
• South Africa: 22:00 SAST
• United States (East Coast): 16:00 EDT
• United States (West Coast): 13:00 PDT

England face injury concerns

England arrive in the tournament following a remarkable qualification campaign in which they won all eight matches without conceding a goal.

However, Tuchel has been forced into some late adjustments.

Right-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad due to a calf injury, with Trevoh Chalobah called up as cover. Reece James is expected to start in defence.

There are also concerns around Bukayo Saka, who is dealing with an Achilles issue. His absence could open the door for Noni Madueke to start on the wing.

Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly is also tipped for a surprise start at left-back.

Croatia rely on experience

Croatia remain one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams under Zlatko Dalić.

The squad continues to be led by veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, now 40, alongside Mateo Kovačić in midfield.

Despite their experience, Croatia’s defence has shown signs of vulnerability, having failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive matches.

Nineteen-year-old Tottenham loanee Luka Vušković is expected to play a key role in a back three.

Predicted England line-up (4-2-3-1)

• Jordan Pickford
• Reece James
• John Stones
• Marc Guéhi
• Nico O’Reilly
• Declan Rice
• Elliot Anderson
• Noni Madueke
• Jude Bellingham
• Anthony Gordon
• Harry Kane

Predicted Croatia line-up (3-4-3)

• Dominik Livaković
• Josip Šutalo
• Luka Vušković
• Joško Gvardiol
• Josip Stanišić
• Luka Modrić
• Mateo Kovačić
• Ivan Perišić
• Petar Sučić
• Martin Baturina
• Petar Musa

Old rivals meet again

England and Croatia have shared several memorable encounters over the years.

The most famous meeting came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final when Croatia secured a 2-1 extra-time victory to reach the final.

England have since gone unbeaten in their last three meetings with Croatia and claimed a 1-0 victory at Euro 2020.

What to expect

The tactical battle between Tuchel and Dalić is likely to be one of the game’s defining features.

England are expected to utilise a flexible 4-2-3-1 system built around the creativity of Jude Bellingham and the finishing ability of Harry Kane.

Croatia will look to control possession through Modrić and Kovačić while frustrating England with a structured defensive setup.

Many pundits expect a disciplined, tactical contest rather than a high-scoring affair, with both teams aware of the importance of starting their World Cup campaign positively.

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