Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEnglands 2018 World Cup campaign was something of a watershed moment in modern Three Lions history.For the first time since 1990, England found themselves 90 minutes away from the World Cup final when they took on Croatia in Moscow.A 2-1 extra-time defeat put paid to the nations hopes of ending a trophy drought that is now into its sixth decade, and as England finalise their preparations for this summers tournament in North America, they will be facing a familiar face in the group stage. You may like EXCLUSIVE Jordan Pickford says England glory depends on 'whether we can put out the best version of ourselves' My shootout save in 2018 was a huge moment for me and the team. Wed moved on from being the underachievers to a nation that genuinely believed Jordan Pickford on ending Englands penalty hoodoo Theres no better feeling than going to a World Cup, walking out before a game, seeing all the England fans there and knowing the whole world is watching Why Jordan Pickford thrives for the Three Lions Pickford on facing Croatia againFourFourTwo's essential 2026 World Cup pack!Get your hands on the newest issue of FourFourTwo - our ultimate World Cup pack! Featuring: Englands American dream, Jordan Pickford and Morgan Rogers, Scotlands return, Mauricio Pochettino Q&A, biggest upsets plus a huge wallchart and preview special!View DealJordan Pickford was playing in his first major tournament for England at the 2018 World Cup and is now a Three Lions veteran, set for his fifth trophy tilt this summer.The Everton stopper broke the record for the number of tournament appearances by an England goalkeeper during Euro 2024, having turned out 26 times in a major competition and will be one of Thomas Tuchels most trusted lieutenants this summer.Croatia will be Englands opening opponent in Group L this summer, which will be followed by clashes against Ghana and Panama, with Pickford confident that his side can progress through to the knockout stages with the minimum of fuss.Of course, Pickford tells FourFourTwo. We go there looking to win every game and build momentum in the group stage.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Every team we play is there on merit, so we know every match is likely to be tough, but we have to be at our best every time we play.But it is that Croatia rematch on July 17 that especially catches the eye in the lead-up to the tournament.Gareth Southgates side took the lead after just five minutes at the Luzhniki Stadium when the two sides clashed in 2018 thanks to a Kieran Trippier free-kick, only to be pegged back with 20 minutes to go when Ivan Perisic levelled to force extra time.Mario Mandzukics extra-time winner settled the contest as Croatia reached the World Cup final for the first time in their history, with Pickford admitting that this summers match will bring all of these memories back.When Tripps scored that free-kick it was an amazing feeling, but we just couldnt get the second goal to kill the game and put the pressure on, he recalls.Then they got into the game and did enough to win it.TOPICSEnglandWorld Cup 2026Joe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromNick Judd
