MATCH PREVIEW:
EURO heartbreak. Gareth Southgate’s no longer the one. Questions over culture. A new coach. Fall outs, make ups. A perfect World Cup qualifying campaign. Big decisions. Questions. Questions…More questions. Hot weather, storm delays, stolen gear.
A lot has happened since England lost to France in the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup 1,280 days ago.
It’s time for the Three Lions to put all that behind them.
Their 2026 World Cup starts tonight.
From what we have seen out here and from what we’ve heard from the camp and his team-mates, stuff from behind the scenes, England are getting the Jude Bellingham of old back for the World Cup. He looks as fit and focused as he has for a long time.
Morgan Rogers doesn’t deserve to lose his place but Bellingham is a big-game player. I’m not saying Rogers isn’t, but Bellingham has experience at World Cups and Euros and playing in big tournaments for Real Madrid. He’s won the Champions League.
He just has that something others don’t have. If his attitude and application is right, you play him. If you get him onside, fit and functioning from day one, that will be a massive factor in this tournament for England.
Tuchel has made big calls with him, and the relationship between Jude and the coach has been brought into question, but look at Bellingham’s experience. This counts for a lot in a major tournament.
Croatia are unbeaten in their World Cup group matches across the last two editions (W4 D2), conceding only two goals in that span. Their last such defeat was against Mexico in 2014 (1-3).
They also have serious World Cup pedigree in recent tournament editions and are one of two teams to reach the semi-finals in each of the last two World Cups – the other are France.
ANALYSIS:
The meeting between England and Croatia inevitably revives memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, when the Croatians recovered from a goal down to eliminate the Three Lions and advance to the final. Eight years on, England arrive with a squad overflowing with attacking talent, youthful energy and elite-level experience. However, overcoming Croatia will require far more than individual brilliance. The contest is shaping up as a fascinating tactical battle where control, discipline and decision-making could prove more important than star power.
At the heart of the encounter lies the midfield duel. Despite being in the twilight of his remarkable career, Luka Modrić remains the heartbeat of Croatia’s system. The veteran playmaker continues to dictate tempo, connect phases of play and provide the creative spark that drives Croatia forward. As long as Modrić is allowed time and space on the ball, Croatia retain the ability to control matches against even the strongest opponents.
England’s response is likely to centre on the partnership of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Their task will be to restrict Modrić’s influence by closing passing lanes, applying pressure quickly and preventing Croatia from settling into possession. If Rice and Bellingham can successfully disrupt Croatia’s midfield rhythm, England could force their opponents into a more direct approach, reducing the effectiveness of Croatia’s preferred possession-based game.
Another tactical avenue England may seek to exploit is the space left behind Croatia’s attacking full-backs. Croatia often commit several players forward when building attacks, leaving areas exposed during defensive transitions. With explosive wide players such as Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, England possess the pace and directness needed to punish those vulnerabilities. Rapid transitions from defence to attack could become one of England’s most dangerous weapons throughout the match.
Quick, vertical football may therefore offer England their clearest route to goal. Rather than allowing Croatia sufficient time to retreat into a compact defensive shape, the Three Lions will aim to move the ball swiftly through midfield and into attacking areas immediately after winning possession. Turning defensive recoveries into fast counter-attacks could create the type of open-field situations where England’s pace and creativity are most effective.
Harry Kane’s role could be equally decisive. While the England captain remains one of world football’s premier goalscorers, his influence extends well beyond finishing chances. Kane’s tendency to drop into deeper positions often drags defenders out of shape and creates gaps for runners arriving from midfield or wide areas. Should Croatia focus too heavily on containing Kane, players such as Bellingham, Saka and Phil Foden may find the freedom required to exploit spaces in the final third and create scoring opportunities.
England may also attempt to test Croatia’s ageing core through an aggressive pressing strategy. Although Croatia’s experience has been a major asset in recent tournaments, England’s younger squad possesses superior athleticism, intensity and energy. Constant pressure during Croatia’s build-up phases could force errors and generate chances. Ultimately, the midfield battle remains the decisive factor. If Rice and Bellingham prevent Modrić and his teammates from controlling possession, England could dictate proceedings and finally earn revenge for one of the most painful defeats in their modern history.
However, if Croatia establish their rhythm, their quality, composure and tournament pedigree could once again make life extremely difficult for the Three Lions. England have the talent to start their World Cup campaign with a victory, but success will depend on tactical discipline, relentless intensity and clinical finishing.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s Prediction: England have the tools to finally gain a measure of revenge for their painful 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia. The key battle will be in midfield, where Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are expected to disrupt Luka Modrić’s rhythm and prevent Croatia from controlling possession.
If England succeed in limiting the influence of Croatia’s veteran playmaker, they can force Zlatko Dalić’s side into a more direct and less comfortable style of football.
England’s pace on the wings could also prove decisive. With Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon attacking the spaces left behind Croatia’s adventurous full-backs, the Three Lions should create several dangerous transition opportunities. Harry Kane’s ability to drop deep and create openings for runners could stretch Croatia’s ageing defence, leading to a professional and controlled victory.
My Prediction: England 4-2 Croatia
Peter’s Prediction: Croatia have built a reputation for thriving in high-pressure tournament matches, and another stubborn display would not be a surprise. While England may enjoy greater athleticism and attacking depth, Croatia’s ability to control tempo through Modrić and their experienced midfield could frustrate the Three Lions for long periods.
If England fail to convert their chances efficiently, Croatia are more than capable of punishing them. The midfield battle could become a tactical stalemate, with Rice and Bellingham cancelling out Modrić’s influence while Croatia’s defensive structure limits England’s attacking freedom.
A draw would reflect a closely fought contest between two technically gifted sides.
My Prediction: England 1-1 Croatia
Gbenga’s Prediction: This scenario sees England’s youthful energy overwhelming Croatia over 90 minutes. Gareth Southgate’s successors possess one of the most dynamic attacking groups in the tournament, with Kane, Bellingham, Saka and Phil Foden capable of exploiting even the smallest defensive gaps.
Croatia’s experience means they are unlikely to be dominated completely, and Modrić’s creativity could help create chances of their own. However, England’s aggressive pressing strategy may force costly mistakes during Croatia’s build-up play.
Quick vertical attacks and relentless pressure could eventually wear down Croatia’s ageing core, allowing England to secure a convincing opening victory.
My Prediction: England 3-1 Croatia
Gloria’s Prediction: Croatia’s tournament pedigree should never be underestimated. Eight years after eliminating England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, they still possess players who understand how to manage high-stakes encounters. If Modrić is given time and space to dictate possession, Croatia could gradually take control of the match.
England’s aggressive pressing and attacking approach may leave spaces that Croatia can exploit through intelligent movement and quick combinations. Should the Three Lions become impatient or waste opportunities in front of goal, Croatia’s experience and composure could prove decisive once again.
A narrow Croatian victory would echo the resilience and tactical discipline that have defined many of their greatest World Cup performances.
My Prediction: England 0-1 Croatia
PREVIOUS MATCHES RECAP
Match Recap: PORTUGAL 1–1 DR Congo
Portugal were held to a disappointing draw by an impressive DR Congo side in their opening game of the World Cup.
Midfielder Joao Neves headed them into a sixth-minute lead, but Roberto Martinez’s side failed to convert their dominance of possession into attempts on goal.
And they were punished in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa was left unmarked to meet Arthur Masuaku’s cross from six yards to head home DR Congo’s first World Cup goal.
In their only previous appearance in 1974, the nation – then known as Zaire – lost all three matches by an aggregate score of 14-0.
But DR Congo, ranked 46th in the world, appear a much tougher proposition for opponents 52 years on and were good value for their point – defending well and threatening on the counter-attack.
Cedric Bakambu hit the post with a close-range shot, although it might not have counted had he scored as the referee blew up for an earlier foul, and fired another effort wide.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo matched Argentina’s Lionel Messi by playing in a sixth finals, but the 41-year-old was made to wait as he bids to become the first player to score in six different World Cups.
The Al-Nassr striker’s two best chances came in quick succession midway through the second half when he twice got on the end of low cut-backs by substitute Francisco Conceicao, but shot just wide on both occasions.
For all their talent, they were Portugal’s third and fourth shots of the match respectively, with their only attempt on target in the entire match being Neves’ headed finish from Pedro Neto’s left-wing cross.