The Three Lions Open Their 2026 World Cup Campaign Against The Croats In Dallas
Dallas Stadium, USA | 2026 World Cup Group L | Wednesday, June 17 | 9pm BST
After 60 years of hurt for the senior Men’s team, can Thomas Tuchel be the manager to finally bring football home once again? Here at BetVictor News, we deliver the in-depth England vs Croatia preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- England vs Croatia prediction: Three Lions clinch narrow win
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
England Vs Croatia Preview
Having qualified with a perfect record of eight wins from eight without shipping a single goal, the World Cup odds shortened on England to go all the way in North America. However, lacklustre performances against Uruguay and Japan in March trimmed the confidence somewhat among supporters.
And the warm-up victories over New Zealand and Costa Rica were hardly the performances of world title contenders. Nonetheless, the Three Lions have lost only one of their last eight World Cup openers and the England vs Croatia odds certainly favour an English win in Dallas.
As for the Croats, they will be aiming to repeat their 2018 semi-final heroics. The evergreen Luka Modric was instrumental that night and will be vital to the Checkered Ones chances on MD1. As will Ivan Perisic, who scored the equaliser and recorded 19 Eredivisie goal contributions for PSV in 2025-26.
In terms of qualification, Zlatko Dalic’s side had a near perfect record. Seven wins and a goalless draw against the Czech Republic saw Dalic lead his troops to the 2026 World Cup as Group L winners.
England Vs Croatia H2H Record
The England vs Croatia H2H record sits in the Three Lions favour. However, two of the nation’s most damaging and agomosing defeats have come against the Croats. Steve McClaren was fired off the back of a disastrous 3-2 home defeat in the Wembley rain which meant the English missed out on Euro 2008.
Eight years ago, the Checkered Ones recorded a 2-1 extra-time victory in the semi-final of the World Cup. Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic cancelled out Kieran Trippier’s stunning free-kick. But, England have won the last two H2H clashes which included a 1-0 opening day victory at Euro 2020.
England vs Croatia H2H record:
- 24 Apr 1996 — England 0–0 Croatia — International Friendly
- 20 Aug 2003 — England 3–1 Croatia — International Friendly
- 21 Jun 2004 — Croatia 2–4 England — UEFA European Championship (Euro 2004)
- 11 Oct 2006 — Croatia 2–0 England — UEFA European Championship Qualifier
- 21 Nov 2007 — England 2–3 Croatia — UEFA European Championship Qualifier
- 10 Sep 2008 — Croatia 1–4 England — FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- 09 Sep 2009 — England 5–1 Croatia — FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- 11 Jul 2018 — Croatia 2–1 England (AET) — FIFA World Cup (Semi-final)
- 12 Oct 2018 — Croatia 0–0 England — UEFA Nations League
- 18 Nov 2018 — England 2–1 Croatia — UEFA Nations League
- 13 Jun 2021 — England 1–0 Croatia — UEFA European Championship (Euro 2020)
England Vs Croatia Team News
Arsenal starboy Bukayo Saka is the main injury concern as far as England are concerned. If Thomas Tuchel exercises caution and opts against starting Saka on the right, club teammate Noni Madueke is set to get the nod. Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon is likely to start over Marcus Rashford and the same applies to Jude Bellingham at the expense of Morgan Rogers.
As for Croatia, they have a fully fit squad to choose from. The legendary duo of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic will start in Dallas. As will Premier League stars Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vuskovic and Mateo Kovacic.
England’s last six in all comps:
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Croatia’s last six in all comps:
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England Vs Croatia Predicted Lineups
England predicted lineup:
Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Croatia predicted lineup:
Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa
England Vs Croatia TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
England vs Croatia is available to watch live in the UK on ITV1 (kick-off 9pm). Streaming is also available on ITVX. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
England Vs Croatia Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- This will be just the second World Cup finals meeting between the two nations
- England World Cup stats – The Three Lions have lost just one of their last eight World Cup openers (2-1 vs Italy in 2014)
- Croatia World Cup stats – Croatia have lost two of their last three internationals (0-2 vs Belgium, 1-3 vs Brazil)
Top Betting Angles for England Vs Croatia
Over 2.5 goals: Six of Croatia’s last seven internationals have produced over 2.5 goals. Online at 11/10.
BTTS (Yes): England were breached against Uruguay and Japan, Croatia’s last shoutout came against Gibraltar; 7 games ago. Available at 4/5.
Anytime goalscorers: Harry Kane (5/4) Anthony Gordon (13/5), Jude Bellingham (16/5) and Ivan Perisic (19/4) all offer value.
England Vs Croatia Prediction
When it comes to World Cup betting on BetVictor’s England vs Croatia betting markets, the correct score of 2-1 has been one of the most popular punts. And our prediction is going to follow suite on Wednesday night.
As ever, the pressure will be on the Three Lions to perform and they should just about get the job done. The Checkered Ones haven’t been strong defensively in recent internationals and those frailties will likely prove the difference in Texas.
Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia (7/1)
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Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 10:30am on June 17, 2026 and are subject to change.
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