England begin their World Cup campaign against a familiar foe, Croatia, tonight in Dallas.
Thomas Tuchel’s side cruised through qualification last year, with eight wins out of eight, and head into this summer’s tournament in North America ranked fourth in the Fifa world rankings. They also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Having come so close to a first major trophy since 1966 at Euro 2024, three years after missing out on European Championship glory at Wembley on penalties, is this the year Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Tuchel’s strong squad finally break the duck?
As for Croatia, they still have 40-year-old captain Luka Modric pulling the strings at what will be his fifth World Cup. The European nation reached the semi-finals in Qatar, four years after a spot in the final in Russia.
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
When is England v Croatia?
England face Croatia at 9pm BST on Wednesday 17 June (3pm CT) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV 1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with coverage starting at 8pm BST. It can also be live streamed on ITVX.
Team news
Bukayo Saka is touch and go to prove his fitness to start, with Noni Madueke ready to deputise on the right. Trevoh Chalobah will not be involved after replacing the injured Tino Livramento but will be available for their next outing. All other squad members are fit – will Tuchel pick Bellingham or Morgan Rodgers in the No 10 and who out of Guehi, Stones and Konsa starts at centre back?
As it stands, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has a full bill of health, with all 26 players available for their opening game, including Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, who have endured injury-impacted seasons.
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Saka, Kane
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa
Latest odds
Here’s the latest match odds from UK betting sites.
England – 3/4
Draw – 14/5
Croatia – 22/5
