Tactical Sophistication Meets Adriatic Resilience at AT&T Stadium
Line-ups 🏴 ENG 4-2-3-1 🇭🇷 CRO 3-4-2-1
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Starting XI
- 1 Jordan Pickford G
- 24 Reece James D
- 2 Ezri Konsa D
- 5 John Stones D
- 3 Nico O'Reilly D
- 8 Elliot Anderson M
- 4 Declan Rice M
- 20 Noni Madueke M
- 10 Jude Bellingham M
- 18 Anthony Gordon M
- 9 Harry Kane F
Substitutes
- 13 Dean Henderson G
- 23 James Trafford G
- 15 Dan Burn D
- 25 Djed Spence D
- 26 Jarell Quansah D
- 6 Marc Guéhi D
- 21 Eberechi Eze M
- 14 Jordan Henderson M
- 16 Kobbie Mainoo M
- 17 Morgan Rogers M
- 7 Bukayo Saka F
- 22 Ivan Toney F
- 11 Marcus Rashford F
- 19 Ollie Watkins F
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Starting XI
- 1 Dominik Livaković G
- 6 Josip Šutalo D
- 22 Luka Vušković D
- 4 Joško Gvardiol D
- 2 Josip Stanišić M
- 10 Luka Modrić M
- 15 Mario Pašalić M
- 14 Ivan Perišić M
- 17 Petar Sučić F
- 16 Martin Baturina F
- 26 Petar Musa F
Substitutes
- 23 Dominik Kotarski G
- 12 Ivor Pandur G
- 5 Duje Ćaleta-Car D
- 3 Marin Pongračić D
- 25 Martin Erlić D
- 8 Mateo Kovačić M
- 18 Kristijan Jakić M
- 21 Luka Sučić M
- 24 Marco Pašalić F
- 7 Nikola Moro M
- 13 Nikola Vlašić M
- 19 Toni Fruk M
- 9 Andrej Kramarić F
- 11 Ante Budimir F
- 20 Igor Matanović F
The Thomas Tuchel era begins on the world stage with an England side that has evolved from sentimental favorites into a clinical, defensive machine. Their qualifying campaign was a statistical marvel, yielding zero goals conceded across eight matches, suggesting a shift toward a more pragmatic and structured approach under the German tactician. With Harry Kane operating at the peak of his playmaking powers, the Three Lions arrive in Arlington seeking to shed the baggage of past near-misses.
Croatia continues to defy the laws of footballing gravity, entering another major tournament anchored by the ageless Luka Modrić. Zlatko Dalić’s squad remains the ultimate test of temperament, possessing a technical midfield that can starve opponents of the ball for long stretches. While England brings the pace of the Premier League, Croatia counters with a psychological toughness forged in countless extra-time battles, making this Group L opener a high-stakes chess match under the Texas lights.
Head to head
The rivalry between these two nations is defined by major tournament drama, most notably the 2018 World Cup semi-final where Croatia ended England's dreams in extra time. Since then, England gained a measure of revenge with a group stage win at Euro 2020 and a Nations League triumph. Overall, their meetings are characterized by narrow margins and tactical shifts, with England holding a slight edge in recent competitive fixtures while Croatia retains the reputation of being the Three Lions' most persistent hurdle on the big stage.
Players to watch
The captain is England's record goalscorer and the focal point of Tuchel's attack, capable of dropping deep to link play or finishing from distance.
A dynamic force in midfield whose ability to drive forward and arrive late in the box provides the spark England needs to break down compact defenses.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remains the conductor of the Croatian orchestra, controlling the tempo and space with unmatched vision.
As one of the world's premier modern defenders, his ability to carry the ball out of defense and negate elite strikers will be vital against Kane.
Fun facts
- England's perfect qualifying record of 22 goals scored and zero conceded is their best-ever defensive run leading into a major tournament.
- The AT&T Stadium features one of the world's largest high-definition video screens, stretching 160 feet wide, ensuring no fan misses a detail of the action.
- Luka Modrić, at nearly 40 years old, continues to lead his nation after earning nearly 200 international caps.
- Despite their small population of roughly 3.8 million, Croatia has reached the semi-finals or better in three of the six World Cups they have contested since independence.
- This match marks the first time England will play a competitive fixture in the state of Texas.
- Arlington's AT&T Stadium, often called Jerry World, features a retractable roof that will protect players from the intense June heat in North Texas.