The England national football team had only two warm-up matches to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the results were encouraging. After a hard-fought victory over the New Zealand national football team, manager Thomas Tuchel guided his side to an impressive 3-0 win against the Costa Rica national football team.
England now begin their World Cup campaign with a challenging Group L clash against Croatia national football team.
Croatia, however, have shown signs of inconsistency in recent weeks. In their last three friendly matches, they recorded a 2-1 victory over the Slovenia national football team, but also suffered defeats to Brazil national football team (1-3) and Belgium national football team (0-2).
More importantly, recent head-to-head history favors England. The Three Lions have won the last two meetings between the sides, including a victory at the UEFA European Championship. Looking further back, England have won six of the last ten encounters since 2003, drawing two and losing two.
With stronger recent form and a favorable historical record, England appear well-positioned to start the tournament with three points.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
England
- Won their last two matches.
- Consecutive clean sheets.
- Strong defensive performances heading into the tournament.
Croatia
- One win and two losses in their last three games.
- Failed to cover the handicap in all three matches.
- Defensive concerns against elite opposition.
Head-to-Head
Last 10 meetings:
- England: 6 wins
- Draws: 2
- Croatia: 2 wins
England have won the two most recent encounters.
Team News
England
- Tino Livramento has withdrawn due to injury.
- No other major absences reported.
Croatia
- Full squad available.
Probable Lineups
England
Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Declan Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Harry Kane.
Croatia
Livaković; Stanišić, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol, Šutalo; Kovačić, Luka Modrić; Vlašić, Mario Pašalić, Perišić; Kramarić.
Betting Analysis
Asian Handicap: England -0.75
Croatia have failed to reward bettors in each of their last three matches, while England enter the tournament on the back of consecutive victories.
The Three Lions have also won the last two meetings between the teams and possess greater attacking depth.
Pick: England -0.75
Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals
England have kept clean sheets in their last two matches.
Only one of their previous six games has produced more than two goals.
Additionally, three of the last four meetings between England and Croatia finished with two goals or fewer.
A cautious opening World Cup fixture could lead to a relatively low-scoring affair.
Pick: Under 2.5 Goals
Cards Market
The most recent meeting between these sides produced five cards.
Four of England’s last six matches have featured at least four cards, while Croatia average close to three cards per game over their last ten outings.
A competitive group-stage clash should generate several disciplinary incidents.
Pick: Over 3.5 Total Cards