England vs Croatia at the World Cup: we've been here before, haven't we?
World Cup 2026 sees a rematch of 2018's epic semi-final, with plenty having changed in the interim: England are now managed by a German, Three Lions goalscorer of that night Kieran Trippier has since retired, and Croatia's Luka Modric… well, he's not really aged in the last eight years, actually.
But will lightning strike twice for Modric and co., or will the Three Lions have their revenge?
England vs Croatia betting odds from BOYLE Sports
- England WIN - 4/6
- Draw - 13/5
- Croatia WIN - 7/4
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England vs Croatia prediction
England and Croatia are the two heavyweights in Group L, as Ghana and Panama kick off later on tonight: both sides know that a win will put them firmly in the driving seat to top the group – and get an easier route to the final – but more importantly, not losing the game is perhaps the bigger incentive: and actually, not losing it would favour England more.
With respect, Panama are the weakest side in the group, and with the Three Lions having hit them for six in 2018, they'll know that with Croatia facing the Central Americans next, they'll play them on the final matchday of Group L knowing exactly what they need, goal difference-wise, to finish ahead of Croatia.
Having said that, this is a game that England will be confident of winning.
Croatia have been comfortable at controlling fixtures for years, with Modric and Mateo Kovacic pass masters in the centre of the park – beyond that in attack, however, the Croatians don't have a lot of firepower: they're knockout specialists for their ability to stay in games and win on penalties, but may struggle to take the initiative in a 90-minute match.
The question is whether this England side – who look good in transition – have enough to dictate proceedings against an experienced midfield, and whether they can create much against a very good defence… and whether Harry Kane will drop too deep to get on the ball (OK, two questions).
In 2021 at the Euros, the Three Lions managed to find success against Croatia by using Kalvin Phillips (remember him?) making runs from deep, with Declan Rice shielding in the no.6 position.
Those runs will likely be a theme again tonight, with Elliott Anderson capable of a box-to-box role, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham options to box-crash and Nico O'Reilly giving Tuchel the option of ghosting forward from left-back, as he does for his club.
Score prediction: England 2-0 Croatia
Expect a patient game between two sides who really don't want to lose this one: Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco is a good barometer for how these two will see each other's strengths.
Dare we say it, though, England are much stronger and should be winning this: we expect a second-half set-piece, before the game opens up in the final 10 minutes, and England grab another.
How to watch England vs Croatia
You can watch England vs Croatia in Group L of World Cup 2026 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.
The match will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.
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