Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEnglands self-effacing Its Coming Home mantra, knowingly adopted from the glorious lament that is Three Lions, is as unpopular among Croatian players as anywhere else.The World Cup 2026 draw placed England in a group with Croatia and Panama, two of their opponents in Russia eight years ago, and Croatia in particular were frequent foes under Gareth Southgate.Croatias 2-1 win after extra time in the semi-final of World Cup 2018 ended Southgates best World Cup run but they havent beaten England in three subsequent competitive matches.Play our free match predictor and win �1kEngland vs Croatia betting odds from BOYLE SportsEngland WIN - 4/6Draw - 13/5Croatia WIN - 15/4England vs Croatia predictionPerhaps the biggest enemy for both England and Croatia as their World Cup campaigns get rolling in Texas is the idea of a lack of jeopardy. On paper, both should progress to the round of 32 regardless of the outcome today. In truth, if theres a loser at AT&T Stadium, the risk of getting caught out by Ghana is very real.Complacency hasnt played much of a role at the World Cup so far and theres no reason to suspect England or Croatia will be any different, not least because theres no doubt at all that these teams relish beating one another. You may like When and where is England's first game? Everything you need to know How to watch England vs Costa Rica for FREE: TV info Argentina vs Algeria prediction as the champions begin their World Cup defence If England and Croatia have quietly carved out one of international footballs most enjoyable rivalries, Ballon dOr winner Luka Modric has been there right from the start.Modric, now 40 and still exerting his influence for AC Milan after a fabulous career with Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, will play his 200th senior international against Panama in Croatias second group match.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.He might be in his prime but Englands chances against Croatia will be defined to a large degree by how their midfield can stifle and imitate his approach to the game.Progressive possession with intent was the most noteworthy positive of Englands friendly win against Costa Rica and, arguably, has been what the Three Lions were missing in the big games against top teams over the last decade.In that sense, the Group L opener will be a useful benchmarking exercise for Thomas Tuchel. Croatia might not scream World Cup finalists nowadays but theyre the toughest group opponent on paper and England need to show what they can do.Score prediction: England 2-1 CroatiaHow to watch England vs CroatiaYou can watch England vs Croatia in Group L of World Cup 2026 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.The match will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.What's your England vs Croatia prediction? Will the Three Lions start with a win? Let us know below...TOPICSLuka ModricEnglandCroatiaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Chris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
