World Cup 2026: Croatia vs England Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

England begin their World Cup against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, with kickoff at 22:00 CAT on Wednesday, June 17. Thomas Tuchel's side warmed up with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and arrive among the favourites, while Zlatko Dalic leans once more on the evergreen Luka Modric, who is set to become the first Croatian to play at five World Cups. I expect a cagey Group L opener between two well organised sides who both like to control the ball. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Croatia

Croatia remain a serious side and in my opinion their midfield experience makes them awkward opponents for anyone. Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic still set the tempo, and Josko Gvardiol is one of the finest left sided defenders in the world. The concern for Dalic is age and a lack of pace in transition, which England's runners could exploit. My read is that Croatia will try to slow the game down, keep possession and frustrate England for as long as they can.

Predicted Lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic; Budimir.

England

England look strong and from my point of view Tuchel has settled on a balanced, well-drilled team. Jordan Pickford keeps goal behind a backline likely to feature Reece James and Marc Guehi, while Declan Rice anchors a midfield that gives Jude Bellingham licence to push forward. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon offer pace in wide areas, with Harry Kane leading the line and the squad reporting no fresh injury concerns. I expect England to carry the greater goal threat and to control long spells of this game.

Predicted Lineup: Pickford; James, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

I expect a tight, tactical contest in which England's superior pace and finishing will prove decisive in the end. Croatia will try to maintain possession of the ball and test England's patience, but I fancy Tuchel's side to nick it through one of their wide threats. My forecast: Croatia 0 England 1.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.72)

I am backing Under 2.5 Goals and my read on this is that two cautious, well-organised sides will produce a low-scoring opener. Croatia want to control possession and slow the tempo, while England under Tuchel kept a clean sheet in their final warm-up and look defensively solid. At 1.72 a tight game with two goals or fewer is the play I trust most.