England
Croatia
England vs Croatia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 17/06/2026
World Cup · 1Best odds to bet on England vs Croatia
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Betfred | 1.73 | 3.60 | 5.00 | View odds |
William Hill | 1.70 | 3.60 | 4.75 | View Odds |
| Smarkets | 1.77 | 3.90 | 5.50 | View Odds |
Matchbook | 1.77 | 3.90 | 5.50 | View Odds |
| Coral | 2.25 | 2.15 | 4.80 | View Odds |
| Ladbrokes | 2.25 | 2.15 | 4.80 | View Odds |
Virgin Bet | 2.07 | 2.60 | 4.70 | View Odds |
LiveScore Bet | 2.07 | 2.60 | 4.70 | View Odds |
Grosvenor | 1.68 | 3.65 | 5.10 | View Odds |
| BetVictor | 1.70 | 3.60 | 5.00 | View odds |
| betmgm.se | 1.70 | 3.70 | 5.20 | View odds |
England vs Croatia Preview
England arrive in Dallas in formidable shape. Thomas Tuchel's side topped their qualifying group with eight wins from eight, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. That defensive record now stretches to ten consecutive competitive victories without shipping a single goal. The Three Lions' recent form reads three wins and a draw, and Tuchel has signalled most of his starting eleven is already settled for this World Cup opener.
Croatia's recent results have been more uneven, with two defeats sandwiched between victories in their last four outings. Zlatko Dalic's side still possess enormous tournament pedigree, having reached the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-finals. Yet this feels like a transitional moment: Luka Modric, now 40, captains the side in what is widely expected to be his farewell World Cup. Dalic may spring a surprise up front, with FC Dallas striker Petar Musa pushing for a start.
England's qualifying record speaks volumes: eight wins from eight, 22 goals scored and none conceded across a flawless campaign. That defensive solidity, now stretching to ten consecutive competitive victories without conceding, underpins the home win pick at 1.73. Thomas Tuchel's side carry genuine momentum, and the likely centre-back pairing of Stones and Konsa offers aerial dominance at set pieces.
Croatia's form is less convincing, with two defeats in their last four outings. Luka Modric remains a sublime footballer, yet at 40 his influence is managed carefully in a deeper creative role. Zlatko Dalic's potential gamble on Petar Musa up front introduces uncertainty rather than stability. England's pressing intensity should trouble an ageing Croatian spine.
The under 2.5 goals line at 1.90 also merits attention given England's extraordinary clean-sheet streak and the tactical caution typical of World Cup openers. Both sides understand the stakes of this Group L curtain-raiser, and neither will want to leave themselves exposed. A controlled 1-0 England victory fits the profile of this fixture perfectly. Odds and markets subject to change.
Trends to Know about England vs Croatia
- England unbeaten in ten consecutive competitive matches
- Eight qualifying wins, zero goals conceded
- Croatia lost two of last four fixtures
Form & Statistics: England vs Croatia
England
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Croatia
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: England vs Croatia
England
Starters
- 1 Jordan Pickford
- 2 Reece James
- 3 John Stones
- 4 Ezri Konsa
- 5 Nico O'Reilly
- 6 Declan Rice
- 7 Elliot Anderson
- 8 Noni Madueke
- 9 Jude Bellingham
- 10 Anthony Gordon
- 11 Harry Kane
Bench
- Dean Henderson
- James Trafford
- Marc Guehi
- Jarell Quansah
- Tino Livramento
- Dan Burn
- Djed Spence
- Jordan Henderson
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Morgan Rogers
- Eberechi Eze
- Marcus Rashford
- Ollie Watkins
- Ivan Toney
- Bukayo Saka
Croatia
Starters
- 1 Dominik Livakovic
- 2 Josip Stanisic
- 3 Josip Sutalo
- 4 Marin Pongracic
- 5 Josko Gvardiol
- 6 Luka Modric
- 7 Mateo Kovacic
- 8 Mario Pasalic
- 9 Martin Baturina
- 10 Ivan Perisic
- 11 Petar Musa
Bench
- Nediljko Labrovic
- Ivan Kotarski
- Duje Caleta-Car
- Luka Vuskovic
- Marin Erlic
- Nikola Moro
- Nikola Vlasic
- Luka Sucic
- Lovro Majer
- Kristijan Jakic
- Luka Fruk
- Ante Budimir
- Dion Drena Beljo
- Andrej Kramaric
- Marco Pasalic
Medium confidence
A mirror image of formations sets the stage here, with both sides lining up in a 4-2-3-1, which should produce a tactically fascinating contest in the centre of the pitch. England's double pivot will be tested by the enduring craft of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, who remain Croatia's creative engine despite the years.
Jude Bellingham operating in the number ten role gives England a genuine match-winner capable of unlocking a disciplined Croatian backline, while Harry Kane offers the focal point up front. Croatia will look to frustrate and transition quickly, with Ivan Perisic providing width and experience on the left flank.
England vs Croatia: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch England vs Croatia Match?
What time is England vs Croatia?
England vs Croatia kicks off at 21:00 BST on Tuesday 17 June 2026 at Dallas Stadium.
Where is England vs Croatia being played?
This match takes place at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
How Can I Watch England vs Croatia on TV and Live Stream?
England vs Croatia will be broadcast live on ITV and available to stream via ITVX in the United Kingdom.