England predicted lineup against Croatia as Three Lions make last minute World Cup preparations

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If England are to end their long wait for a senior World Cup triumph, it will begin a world away from home as Thomas Tuchel’s side open their 2026 Group L campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The bookies fully expect England to deliver on this at 7/10 odds with Sky Bet while Croatia are 4/1 with Paddy Power and a draw is 13/5 with William Hill .

Croatia arrive as familiar nearly-men on the big stage but with genuine tournament pedigree, having won medals at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and finished runners-up in the 2022-23 Nations League. England, meanwhile, are still chasing a first senior World Cup since 1966 - despite youth-level titles at Under-17 and Under-20 level in 2017.

England stormed through qualifying, becoming the first UEFA nation to book their place with eight wins and eight clean sheets. But doubts crept in during the spring after draws with Uruguay and Japan - including a first-ever defeat to Asian opposition - and a laboured win over New Zealand did little to ease concerns. A stronger XI then signed off preparations with a comfortable victory over Costa Rica.

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England have lost only one of their last eight World Cup openers, beaten 2-1 by Italy in 2014, and have won their last two first matches at the tournament. Croatia also impressed in qualifying, dropping just two points to top their group, but come into the finals looking to make amends for a bleak Euro 2024 where they exited at the group stage without a win — their worst major tournament showing since 2006.

Neither side were flawless in friendlies. Croatia lost to Brazil and Belgium before edging Slovenia 2-1 thanks to a late Mario Pasalic winner - another reminder of their knack for big moments, from Mandzukic’s extra-time goal in 2018 that knocked England out and sent Croatia to their first World Cup final.

Thomas Tuchel has few concerns for England’s opener, but Bukayo Saka is a major doubt and is reportedly racing to prove his fitness. If he misses out, Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke could start on the right, with Anthony Gordon expected to replace Marcus Rashford on the left. Jude Bellingham is also tipped to get the nod over Morgan Rogers at No.10, while Tuchel still has a decision to make between Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Marc Guehi in front of Jordan Pickford.

Croatia arrive with a full squad, including Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. Petar Musa is being linked with a start up front, and Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic could feature in a back three alongside Josko Gvardiol.

England: Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Croatia: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa

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