Officially getting their World Cup adventure underway on Wednesday night, England will meet Croatia in Arlington.
With the 2026 World Cup now in full swing, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer.
Verdict: Harry Kane to score anytime
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker:Â BetUS
England
Starting with England, suffering even more major tournament heartbreak over in Germany two years ago, that 2-1 defeat against Spain was the final act of the Gareth Southgate reign. Now under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders this summer. Remarkably still waiting to get their hands on a first piece of silverware since their iconic World Cup success way back in 1966, the former Chelsea boss has made his expectations abundantly clear. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a much-welcomed flurry as they secured a thumping 3-0 victory against Costa Rica, England will be dreaming of a repeat performance in Arlington. Getting their European Championship adventure underway with a 1-0 victory against Croatia back in the summer of 2021, Tuchel's camp will be hoping to lay down a real marker on Wednesday night.
England Team News
Embarking on what was a record-breaking campaign with German giants Bayern Munich and regarded as a standout Ballon d'Or contender this year, talismanic skipper Harry Kane will lead England out on Wednesday night. Despite announcing that he will be leaving Manchester City this summer, John Stones is expected to start at the heart of Tuchel's defence.
Enjoying a sensational season with Nottingham Forest and with a string of European giants chasing his signature, Elliot Anderson should partner Arsenal's Declan Rice in the middle of the park here.
Croatia
As for Croatia, despite struggling to find any real stability during their Nations League campaign last summer, the Blazers came roaring back in some style. Mustering 22 points from their eight World Cup qualifying appearances, Zlatko Dalic's ageing squad are still going strong and have their sights set on mounting another iconic charge in North America this summer. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 victory at home against Slovenia, the former World Cup finalists are renown for their experience on the major tournament stage. However, falling to a close-fought 1-0 defeat when they last met the Three Lions for a competitive showdown back in the summer of 2021, Dalic's camp open their Group L charge with a heavyweight challenge in Texas on Wednesday night.
Croatia Team News
While former Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric might be set to turn 41 later in the year, Croatia's skipper enjoyed a stellar maiden campaign with AC Milan and will lead the Blazers out on Wednesday night. Making a timely return after suffering a broken leg back in January, Josko Gvardiol will start at the back.
One-time West Ham attacker Nikola Vlasic and former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic – now with Torino and PSV respectively – are included in Croatia's squad and should feature in Arlington.
England vs Croatia Key Factors to Consider
- When England and Croatia last met back in the summer of 2021, the Three Lions clinched a 1-0 victory when getting their European Championship adventure underway.
- England have shipped just a pair of strikes in any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Croatia registered 22 points from their eight World Cup qualifying appearances last year.
- Six of Croatia's last seven appearances have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Harry Kane scored a record-breaking 58 goals in all competitions during his sensational 2025/2026 club campaign with Bayern Munich.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on Arlington, England will be desperate to get their World Cup adventure underway with an early statement of intent. If the Three Lions are to get their hands on a first piece of international silverware since way back in 1966, then there is no doubt that their talismanic skipper will have more than a leading role to play. Shattering a string of records with Bayern Munich this season and regarded as a genuine Ballon d'Or contender, Kane will certainly shoulder plenty of England's attacking threat.
Verdict: Harry Kane to score anytime
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: BetUS
