Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland will be looking to end 60 years of hurt this summer.Under Thomas Tuchel's astute leadership, England head to World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament's firm favourites to go all the way for a first time since 1966.But first, the national side have to navigate a potentially tricky group stage campaign.Rematches dominate England's World Cup runEngland successfully acclimatised to their latest major tournament with two Stateside friendlies over New Zealand and Costa Rica, winning 1-0 and 3-0 respectively.First up for Tuchel's side is a meeting with an increasingly familiar foe when they take on Croatia at Dallas' Arlington Stadium on 17 June, kicking off at 9pm UK time. You may like When is England's World Cup squad announced? England World Cup 2026 fixtures: Dates, times, TV channels and how to watch When is the England World Cup 2026 squad announced? The fixture conjures memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final between the nations which saw Zlatko Dalic's men deliver late heartbreak with a 2-1 victory in extra time.Following on from the Croatia reunion will be England's first-ever competitive meeting with Ghana at Boston's Foxborough Stadium on 23 June with another 9pm start time.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.They will round off their Group L schedule with another rematch, this time with 2018 opponents Panama at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on 27 June in a 10pm kick-off.A Harry Kane-inspired performance in Nizhny Novgorod saw them book their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare during a memorable run to the semi-final stage.Should they win Group L outright, the Three Lions would face the team that finishes in third place from Groups E, H, I or J - all of which contain fellow tournament favourites.Germany, Spain, France, holders Argentina and Portugal are widely expected to top their respective standings which would could extend England's potential victory route.Tuchel's men would also be strongly fancied in the Round of 16 with a meeting from either Group A's winners or the best third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I.Could this finally be England's year?TOPICSHarry KaneWorld CupRichard Buxton
