England vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026: Squads, predicted XI, timings, strengths

England will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in a highly anticipated Group L encounter at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday June 17 (ET), with both sides aiming to make an early statement in one of the tournament's most intriguing opening fixtures.

Thomas Tuchel's England arrive in the United States carrying considerable momentum after a perfect qualifying campaign, winning all eight matches without conceding a goal. Croatia, meanwhile, continue to be regarded as one of international football's most resilient tournament teams, having reached the semi-finals at each of the last two World Cups.

Recent meetings between the nations have been closely contested. Croatia famously defeated England after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, while subsequent encounters have produced a goalless UEFA Nations League draw, a 2-1 England victory in the reverse fixture and a narrow England win at Euro 2020.

With both teams widely expected to challenge for qualification from Group L, a positive result in Dallas could provide a significant advantage in the race for the knockout stages.

ENGLAND

• Strength

England's biggest asset heading into the tournament is the flexibility of Tuchel's tactical system. The Three Lions have developed the ability to switch seamlessly between aggressive pressing and a more compact defensive structure depending on the demands of the match. The team is built around a strong central spine, combining defensive organisation with technically gifted midfielders capable of progressing the ball quickly through the lines. England's wide players provide pace and direct attacking threat, while their efficiency from set-pieces offers an additional route to goal. Strong communication and positional discipline have also helped England dictate the tempo of matches and maintain control in difficult situations.

• Weakness

Despite their impressive form, England remain vulnerable during defensive transitions when committing large numbers forward. If the initial press is bypassed, opponents can exploit spaces left behind the back line. The squad has also had to contend with the physical demands of a long domestic season, raising concerns over fatigue and injuries. The summer conditions across several North American venues could further test fitness levels, making squad rotation and energy management crucial throughout the competition. Maintaining concentration after cooling and hydration breaks may also prove important.

• Gameplay

England are expected to dominate possession, press aggressively when out of the ball and use their attacking talent to create chances through quick transitions and wide areas. Tuchel's side combine defensive stability with a fluid attacking approach built around movement and technical quality in midfield.

• Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford, Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane

CROATIA

• Strength

Croatia continue to benefit from a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent. Veteran captain Luka Modric remains the creative heartbeat of the side, while Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic provide quality and composure in midfield. A new generation featuring Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic and Petar Sucic has added energy and attacking creativity. At the back, Josko Gvardiol leads a defence that also includes Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic and Duje Caleta-Car. Under Zlatko Dalic, Croatia have earned a reputation for tactical discipline, collective organisation and composure in high-pressure situations.

• Weakness

One of Croatia's primary concerns is managing the workload of several key veterans, including Modric and Ivan Perisic, during a demanding tournament schedule. Although Croatia possess dependable attacking options, they lack the depth and star power available to some of the leading title contenders. The team is also undergoing a gradual transition, with younger players expected to assume greater responsibility. Their ability to adapt quickly to the intensity of World Cup football could be decisive.

• Gameplay

Croatia are expected to rely on their trademark midfield control, patient build-up play and defensive organisation. Dalic's side typically focus on maintaining shape, limiting opposition opportunities and capitalising on moments of quality in possession.

• Squad

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski

Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Erlic

Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Toni Fruk, Luka Sucic

Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic, Igor Matanovic, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Ante Budimir,

Key players to watch

• England

England's hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory will once again be heavily linked to captain Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker remains one of the world's most consistent goalscorers and is expected to lead the attack throughout the tournament. Jude Bellingham's creativity and ability to influence matches from midfield will be crucial, while Bukayo Saka's pace and direct running provide a constant threat in wide areas. Declan Rice will play a key role in shielding the defence and controlling the tempo of the game.

• Croatia

Luka Modric remains Croatia's most influential figure. The veteran midfielder continues to dictate play through his vision, passing range and leadership. Ivan Perisic's experience and ability to deliver in major tournaments make him another important player, while Mateo Kovacic's control in midfield and Josko Gvardiol's presence in defence will be vital if Croatia are to secure a positive result against one of the tournament favourites.

Venue: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Dallas, Texas

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Kick-off time: 4 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. BST | 1:30 a.m. IST (June 18)