Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland vs Croatia at the World Cup: we've been here before, haven't we?World Cup 2026 sees a rematch of 2018's epic semi-final, with plenty having changed in the interim: England are now managed by a German, Three Lions goalscorer of that night Kieran Trippier has since retired, and Croatia's Luka Modric well, he's not really aged in the last eight years, actually.But will lightning strike twice for Modric and co., or will the Three Lions have their revenge?England vs Croatia betting odds from BOYLE SportsEngland WIN - 4/6Draw - 13/5Croatia WIN - 7/4Play our free match predictor and win �1kEngland vs Croatia predictionEngland and Croatia are the two heavyweights in Group L, as Ghana and Panama kick off later on tonight: both sides know that a win will put them firmly in the driving seat to top the group and get an easier route to the final but more importantly, not losing the game is perhaps the bigger incentive: and actually, not losing it would favour England more.With respect, Panama are the weakest side in the group, and with the Three Lions having hit them for six in 2018, they'll know that with Croatia facing the Central Americans next, they'll play them on the final matchday of Group L knowing exactly what they need, goal difference-wise, to finish ahead of Croatia. You may like England vs Croatia prediction as Thomas Tuchel leads the Three Lions at his first major tournament How to watch England vs Croatia for FREE at World Cup 2026 England vs Croatia head-to-head record, as Thomas Tuchel looks to maintain Three Lions dominance Having said that, this is a game that England will be confident of winning.Croatia have been comfortable at controlling fixtures for years, with Modric and Mateo Kovacic pass masters in the centre of the park beyond that in attack, however, the Croatians don't have a lot of firepower: they're knockout specialists for their ability to stay in games and win on penalties, but may struggle to take the initiative in a 90-minute 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.The question is whether this England side who look good in transition have enough to dictate proceedings against an experienced midfield, and whether they can create much against a very good defence and whether Harry Kane will drop too deep to get on the ball (OK, two questions).In 2021 at the Euros, the Three Lions managed to find success against Croatia by using Kalvin Phillips (remember him?) making runs from deep, with Declan Rice shielding in the no.6 position.Those runs will likely be a theme again tonight, with Elliott Anderson capable of a box-to-box role, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham options to box-crash and Nico O'Reilly giving Tuchel the option of ghosting forward from left-back, as he does for his club. What to read next England vs Croatia LIVE: Team news, lineups, and build-up to the World Cup opener Croatia vs England Team News: Predicted XI & Squad for Tonight England World Cup 2026 fixtures: Dates, times, TV channels and how to watch Score prediction: England 2-0 CroatiaExpect a patient game between two sides who really don't want to lose this one: Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco is a good barometer for how these two will see each other's strengths.Dare we say it, though, England are much stronger and should be winning this: we expect a second-half set-piece, before the game opens up in the final 10 minutes, and England grab another.How 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 Cristiano Ronaldo get his goal? Let us know below...TOPICSEnglandCroatiaWorld 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.
