England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, with Thomas Tuchel’s side seeking to shake off selection controversy and make an impact in Group L. Follow our liveblog to see how it unfolds.
Expected lineups
England : Pickford – James (ou Spence), Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson – Saka (ou Madueke), Bellingham, Gordon (ou Rashford), Kane.
Croatia : Livakovic – Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol – Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic – Pasalic, Kramaric – Budimir.
Always well-placed without ever claiming a second title in its history, modern England launches its World Cup 2026 against Croatia. Vice-champions of Europe begin with the toughest side of Group L, a clash against the team of 40-year-old veteran in Arlington, Texas, before facing the less-favoured Ghana and Panama.
Thomas Tuchel’s selection choices have already sparked controversy ahead of the tournament, with debate over team composition and squad depth continuing to dominate headlines, but England arrive as one of the tournament’s genuine contenders, boasting a golden generation of attacking talent.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to punch above their weight on the world stage, defying expectations for a nation of their size with a remarkable run to the 2018 World Cup final.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters and AP)
