England Begin World Cup Campaign Against Croatia

England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia in Arlington, with Thomas Tuchel looking for the kind of strong start that has become expected from the Three Lions at major tournaments.

There is plenty of optimism surrounding England after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them become the first European nation to book their place at the World Cup. Eight matches brought eight wins, and perhaps even more impressively, eight clean sheets. It was the sort of form that suggested England were building real momentum under Tuchel.

The build-up to the tournament has not been completely smooth, though. A draw with Uruguay and a shock defeat to Japan raised a few eyebrows during the spring internationals, while Harry Kane was needed to rescue victory against New Zealand. England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica was much more encouraging and gave supporters a glimpse of the level Tuchel will be hoping to see when the tournament begins for real.

As is often the case before a major tournament opener, much of the discussion has centred around team selection. Jude Bellingham looks set to start in the number 10 role behind Kane, while Anthony Gordon may have done enough against Costa Rica to edge ahead of Marcus Rashford on the left wing. Bukayo Saka is expected to be available despite recent fitness concerns, although Noni Madueke is waiting in the wings if Tuchel decides not to take any unnecessary risks.

There are still a couple of decisions to be made at the back too. John Stones is expected to start after featuring in both warm-up matches, but whether Marc Guehi or Ezri Konsa lines up alongside him remains to be seen. England were also forced into a late change when Tino Livramento withdrew through injury, leading to Trevoh Chalobah being drafted into the squad, while Reece James is expected to start at right-back.

Croatia arrive at the tournament in a familiar position. They may not be among the leading favourites, but few sides have earned more respect on the international stage over the past decade. Since reaching the World Cup final in 2018 and finishing third four years later, Croatia have developed a reputation for being a team nobody enjoys facing when tournament football comes around.

Their disappointing exit at Euro 2024 led some to question whether their golden generation had finally run its course, but the response was impressive. Croatia lost just once during qualification, dropping only two points and conceding four goals in eight matches as they secured top spot with little trouble.

Many of the names that have become synonymous with Croatia’s success remain at the heart of the side. Luka Modric is preparing for what is expected to be the final major tournament of his extraordinary career and will once again pull the strings in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic. Ivan Perisic continues to be a key figure too after another productive season at club level.

At the same time, a new generation is beginning to emerge. Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic is expected to feature in a back three alongside Josko Gvardiol after an outstanding campaign on loan at Hamburg, while Petar Musa has put himself firmly in contention to start up front after scoring 12 goals in his first 13 MLS appearances of the season for Dallas.

England have had the better of recent meetings between the two sides, winning both of the last two encounters, including their opening match at Euro 2020. Croatia, however, remain impossible to discuss without mentioning that unforgettable night in Moscow eight years ago when Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time winner sent them into the World Cup final at England’s expense.

With Ghana and Panama also in Group L, neither side will be panicking if things do not go their way on the opening night. Even so, three points would provide a valuable platform heading into the rest of the group stage and ease some of the pressure that inevitably comes with a World Cup campaign.

England will believe they have the quality to make a winning start, but Croatia’s record at major tournaments means they remain a dangerous first hurdle. For Tuchel’s side, this is the moment the preparation ends and the real business begins.