England
Croatia
For England, every major tournament opener carries the same narrative weight — sixty years of hurt, renewed hope, and a squad that might finally be good enough. For Croatia, this is a chance to prove that the nation which finished runners-up in 2018 still has enough in the tank for one more statement at a World Cup. They meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas — a fixture loaded with history, tactical intrigue, and the very real possibility that one of these sides goes home early if they don't start well. Group L also contains Ghana and Panama. This result could define the group.
England — The Three Lions
Thomas Tuchel lines up in a 4-2-3-1, with Jordan Pickford in goal behind a back four of Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Liam O'Reilly. The double pivot of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson — the Nottingham Forest midfielder who has been one of the revelations of England's qualifying campaign — provides the platform. In the advanced roles, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon flank Jude Bellingham, with Harry Kane leading the line.
England's qualification was flawless — eight wins from eight, eight clean sheets, the first UEFA nation to book their place. But the cracks have shown in warm-up: a draw with Uruguay and an unprecedented defeat to Japan — their first ever against an Asian nation — unsettled confidence ahead of the tournament. A win over Costa Rica in the final warm-up steadied things, but the questions over Tuchel's best system and Bellingham's optimal role remain unanswered. Bellingham at his best is one of the finest players in the world. Getting the best of him in a team context is England's central tactical challenge.
Kane arrives needing three goals to break England's all-time scoring record outright. He has 64 — level with Wayne Rooney. The motivation is real, and against a Croatia side who are no longer as defensively robust as they once were, he will fancy his chances.
Croatia — The Vatreni
Zlatko Dalić sets up in a 3-4-2-1, with Dominik Livaković in goal behind a back three of Gvardiol, Vušković and Sutalo. The wing-backs are Perišić on the left and Stančić on the right, while the midfield pairing of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić remains one of the most technically gifted in the tournament at any age. Baturina and Kramarić operate in the advanced roles behind lone striker Budimir.
Modrić is 40 and this is almost certainly his final World Cup. He will not be the explosive force he was in 2018 — but his reading of the game, his passing range and his ability to slow or quicken the tempo remains essentially unmatched at this level. Kovačić alongside him gives Croatia the energy and box-to-box running that allows Modrić to function. Joško Gvardiol is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now — his composure, athleticism and ability to carry the ball from deep make him Croatia's most important defensive asset and an attacking outlet from the back three.
Croatia's Euro 2024 was a disaster — three group games without a win, out before the knockouts. Dalić has rebuilt since, but the questions over what happens when Modrić retires still hang over this squad. Their warm-up brought losses to Brazil and Belgium before a 2-1 win over Slovenia steadied things. They are a dangerous, experienced side — but not the irresistible force of 2018.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Jude Bellingham vs Luka Modrić. The heir apparent against the master — Bellingham at 22 facing the midfielder who has defined this era of the game at 40. Modrić will look to control tempo, pick passes that bypass England's pressing and dictate the match from deep. Bellingham will look to arrive in dangerous areas, win second balls and create the moments that unlock a back three. Whoever exerts more influence on the midfield battle will go a long way to winning the match. It is the generational passing of the baton in one 90-minute contest.
Prediction
England have more quality in this squad than at any World Cup since 1990, and North American soil should suit them better than a neutral European venue would. Kane is motivated by the scoring record, Bellingham is capable of winning any game on his own, and Croatia, for all their experience, are no longer the side they were in 2018. England should win this, and win it without too much drama.
But after Tuesday's results, nobody is predicting anything with complete confidence.
England 2–1 Croatia — Kane, Bellingham — Kramarić
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