England vs. Croatia projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group L game in Dallas

England and Croatia renew hostilities in an intriguing Group L opener at the 2026 World Cup.

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Zlatko Dalic’s side broke English hearts in the 2018 semifinals, coming from behind to win 2-1 after extra time. Captains Harry Kane and Luka Modric are among the survivors from that encounter in Moscow.

The Three Lions gained a measure of revenge when they won their opening European Championship group-stage match in 2021, a victory that began a run all the way to the final.

England boss Thomas Tuchel will have similarly high hopes in his first major international tournament, although Croatia’s run to the semifinals in Qatar four years ago underscored its status as a tournament specialist.

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England projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) – 24. R. James, 2. E. Konsa, 5. J. Stones, 3. N. O’Reilly – 4. D. Rice, 8. E. Anderson – 20. N. Madueke, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon – 9. H. Kane

• Injured: Saka (Achilles, doubt)
• Suspended: 

Bukayo Saka is still managing Achilles pain, meaning his Arsenal team-mate is likely to start on the right wing for England, with Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon set to get the nod over Marcus Rashford on the left

Ezri Konsa and John Stones are tipped to begin the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s preferred centre-back pairing, meaning Marc Guehi misses out.

England captain Harry Kane will lead his country at a third World Cup and fifth successive major tournament.

MORE: Nico O’Reilly: How Pep Guardiola’s final gift to English football can inspire World Cup glory

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Croatia projected starting 11

(3-4-2-1, right to left): 1. D, Livakovic (GK) – 6. J. Sutalo, 22. L. Vuskovic, 4. J. Gvardiol – 2. J Stanisic, 10. L. Modric, 8. M. Kovacic, 14. I. Perisic – 21. L. Sucic, 16. M. Baturina – 26. P. Musa

• Injured: None 
• Suspended: None 

Luka Modric is expected to win his 199th international cap as skipper of an experienced Croatia line-up.

Josko Gvardiol only returned from a broken leg during the final weeks of the season at Manchester City but is fit to start.

Petar Musa should edge out veteran Andrej Kramaric for the starting berth at centre-forward.

MORE: Who has the most international caps ever? Cristiano Ronaldo boasts another record in men’s football

England vs. Croatia World Cup rosters

Here are the names on England and Croatia’s World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

England World Cup roster

Croatia World Cup squad

England vs. Croatia predictions, betting odds

Here are the odds across some notable sportsbooks for who will come out on top in the opening game of World Cup Group L between England and Croatia.

Where to watch England vs. Croatia

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: Fubo (U.S. only free trial)

England vs. Croatia will be show by Fox in the U.S. Below is the the broadcast information for some of the other major territories in the world.

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