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England’s self-effacing It’s 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.
Croatia’s 2-1 win after extra time in the semi-final of World Cup 2018 ended Southgate’s best World Cup run but they haven’t beaten England in three subsequent competitive matches.
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England vs Croatia betting odds from BOYLE Sports
- England WIN - 4/6
- Draw - 13/5
- Croatia WIN - 15/4
England vs Croatia prediction
Perhaps 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 there’s a loser at AT&T Stadium, the risk of getting caught out by Ghana is very real.
Complacency hasn’t played much of a role at the World Cup so far and there’s no reason to suspect England or Croatia will be any different, not least because there’s no doubt at all that these teams relish beating one another.
If England and Croatia have quietly carved out one of international football’s most enjoyable rivalries, Ballon d’Or 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 Croatia’s second group match.
He might be in his prime but England’s 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 England’s 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 they’re the toughest group opponent on paper and England need to show what they can do.
Score prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
How to watch England vs Croatia
You 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...
