England and Croatia Lineups Announced

England and Croatia are set to clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in their opening Group L fixture. From the moment the draw was announced, this encounter was highlighted as one of the most anticipated matches of the entire group stage. The rivalry between these two European powerhouses has intensified significantly in recent years, despite this being only their second meeting in a World Cup finals tournament.

Their first World Cup encounter remains etched in history: the 2018 semi-final in Moscow, where Croatia shattered England's dreams with a 2-1 victory after extra time. Goals from Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić sent the “Vatreni” to a historic final. England managed to exact some partial revenge at Euro 2020, securing a 1-0 win with a Raheem Sterling goal, but the wound from 2018 still lingers. This marks the 12th overall meeting between the two sides, with England holding a slight edge in total victories.

England was the first European team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, yet they continue their 60-year wait for a major trophy. Croatia's pedigree in major tournaments speaks for itself, having won medals at the 1998, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, as well as in the 2022/23 Nations League. The Croatians are undefeated in the group stage of their last two World Cups.

English media outlets had already revealed Thomas Tuchel's starting lineup two days prior, and their predictions proved accurate. The German manager has opted to start Barcelona's new signing, Anthony Gordon, on the left wing, ahead of Marcus Rashford, who also played for the Catalan giants last season. Noni Madueke will operate on the opposite flank, as his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka is not yet in optimal physical condition. Harry Kane, of course, leads the attack.

In midfield, the big question was whether Jude Bellingham would start or if Tuchel would favor Morgan Rogers. The Real Madrid star has been named in the starting XI.

Ezri Konsa and the experienced John Stones form the central defensive partnership. The Aston Villa defender was preferred over Marc Guéhi. Reece James and Nico O'Reilly start as full-backs, while Jordan Pickford traditionally takes his place between the posts.

This is the same starting eleven England fielded in their final warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Zlatko Dalić has opted for a three-at-the-back formation. Surprisingly, Mateo Kovačić starts on the bench, with Petar Sučić preferred in midfield. Veteran Luka Modrić is, as expected, a starter. Petar Musa leads the line in attack, with Pašalić and Baturina taking on slightly more offensive roles, supporting him from deeper positions.