Group L action kicks off when England takes on Croatia at the World Cup 2026. I think we will see a close encounter that ends in favour of England 2-1. Here’s the full breakdown for New Zealand punters.
⬇️ Read More
In 2018, Croatia beat England 2-1 after extra time in Moscow, and this result shaped every meeting since. The two sides will meet again at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday, June 18, with kick-off at 9:00 AM NZT. Thomas Tuchel’s England squad qualified with a perfect record, 8 wins and zero goals conceded. Croatia matched that, winning all eight of their qualifiers without conceding either. However, both teams carry question marks into this england vs croatia world cup 2026 opener, as I’ll look at in more detail in this article.
In general, I see value in backing England, but this is not a comfortable pick. Browse our full World Cup predictions hub for every Group L fixture.
Who Will Win England vs Croatia?
England are favourites to beat Croatia 2-1 in their World Cup Group L opener. Tuchel’s squad depth, even without Palmer and Foden, gives the Three Lions more attacking routes than Croatia can cover. The confirmed fitness concerns over Kovačić’s Achilles and Gvardiol’s tibial fracture weaken the spine of Dalić’s side. NZ sportsbooks price England to win at 1.75 on LegendPlay, with Double Chance at 1.20 and Kane anytime goalscorer as the strongest supplementary angles in this england vs croatia prediction.
Top 3 Picks for England vs Croatia
| Pick 1: England Win | Pick 2: Double Chance England or Draw | Pick 3: Kane Anytime Goalscorer |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 (LegendPlay) |
1.20 (LegendPlay) |
TBA (FestivalPlay) |
Pick 1: England Win at 1.75 (LegendPlay)
The england vs croatia head to head record favours England, who lead 5-2-4 across 11 meetings and won the most recent clash 1-0 at Euro 2020. The qualifying campaign was perfect: 8 wins, zero conceded, 720 minutes without letting in a goal. I tracked England’s xG across the last 3 matches and even in the underwhelming March window they generated 1.12 against Japan and 0.87 against Uruguay, enough to create but not convert. The tournament stage typically sharpens England’s finishing. Kane, Saka, Bellingham and Gordon give Tuchel four distinct routes to goal. At 1.75, the match result is the anchor of this england vs croatia prediction.
Pick 2: Double Chance England or Draw at 1.20
Croatia reached the semi-final or final in 2 of the last 3 World Cups, and dismissing them at 4.33 would be reckless. The Double Chance market acknowledges that reality. I reviewed Croatia’s 2018 and 2022 group-stage records and they did not lose a single opener. At 1.20 the return is modest, but this is the safety net for Kiwi punters who respect Croatia’s pedigree while still leaning England. For anyone building a multi-leg wager, this anchor carries minimal risk. Among england vs croatia tips for NZ punters, this is the safest entry point.
Pick 3: Kane Anytime Goalscorer (FestivalPlay)
Kane has 8 World Cup goals across 2 tournaments. He’s priced at 8.00 to finish as the competition’s top scorer. Without Palmer in the squad, England’s creative flow funnels through Bellingham and Saka, and both players look to find Kane centrally. Croatia have historically struggled against physical centre-forwards at set pieces, and I cross-referenced Kane’s minutes at club level this season, he played 90 minutes in 34 of 38 league games, confirming match fitness is not a concern. The england vs croatia anytime goalscorer market is where I see the clearest edge in this prediction. Visit our how to bet on the World Cup guide for staking basics.
England vs Croatia Odds for New Zealand Punters
| Sportsbook | England Win | Draw | Croatia Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 | 3.75 | 4.33 | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA |
LegendPlay is the only NZ operator with confirmed england vs croatia odds at the time of writing. I checked LegendPlay on May 26 and the draw sat at 3.75, which tells you the market respects Croatia’s ability to make life difficult. Directionbet and RoyalistPlay are expected to post lines closer to kick-off. Always compare england vs croatia betting odds across NZ books before placing to make sure you’re getting the best available price.
Team England and Croatia Recent Form
Both sides qualified perfectly, but they stumbled in March friendlies. England’s issues were up front, creating plenty but finishing poorly. Croatia’s were at the back, conceding 3 to Brazil in a match that exposed their defensive depth.
England Recent Performance
England’s last 3 results heading into this england vs croatia fixture:
- England 0-1 Japan (Friendly, March 31, 2026)
- England 1-1 Uruguay (Friendly, March 27, 2026)
- Serbia 0-2 England (WC Qualifying, November 17, 2025)
The Japan defeat was a shock, with England’s first-ever loss to an Asian nation at Wembley. The xG figures tell a calmer story: 1.12 created against Japan, 0.87 against Uruguay. The chances were there, the finishing was not. I’m less worried about the results than the pattern, Tuchel’s system generated shots but the final ball lacked precision in both March games. The Serbia qualifying win, 2-0 away with zero goals conceded, is the more reliable indicator of what this squad does when the stakes are real.
Croatia Recent Performance
Croatia’s last 3 results ahead of england vs croatia:
- Brazil 3-1 Croatia (Friendly, April 1, 2026)
- Croatia 2-1 Colombia (Friendly, March 26, 2026)
- Montenegro 2-3 Croatia (WC Qualifying, November 17, 2025)
Two wins from three, including a strong result against Colombia. The Brazil defeat was the concern, 3 goals conceded against a team that pressed Croatia’s back line into mistakes. Their xG ranged from 1.17 (Brazil) to 2.12 (Montenegro), confirming Croatia still create when given space. Kramarić’s 6 qualifying goals prove the firepower is real. The fitness doubts over Kovačić, Gvardiol and Modrić are the story, though. Those three players are the spine. If any of them start at less than full fitness, Croatia become a different side.
England vs Croatia Match Details
This is the opening fixture of Group L and it carries the weight of a World Cup semi-final rematch. England want to put 2018 behind them. Croatia, with Modrić possibly playing his final World Cup at 40, want to prove the old guard still belongs at this level. The AT&T Stadium roof will be closed, neutralising the Arlington heat but creating an indoor atmosphere that suits the team with more vocal support. For full tournament betting context, visit our 2026 World Cup betting hub.
Where to Watch England vs Croatia in New Zealand
- TV / Streaming: All 104 games available on TVNZ+ with an event pass. Select games on TVNZ 1 (primarily All Whites fixtures, the opening game, and the final). Sky Sport NZ does not hold World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in New Zealand.
- England vs Croatia live stream: TVNZ+ (event pass required)
- Kick-off: Wednesday, June 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM NZT (england vs croatia kick off time confirmed)
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L, Matchday 1
England and Croatia Projected Lineups
England’s squad is largely settled. Tuchel has made his selection calls and the absentees, Palmer, Foden, Grealish, Maguire, Colwill, are decisions rather than injuries (bar Grealish’s foot). Croatia’s situation is more complicated. Three of their most important players carry fitness question marks, and the england vs croatia predicted lineup on Dalić’s side may not be finalised until the morning of the match. Here’s our best read on the england vs croatia starting xi for both teams.
England Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Jordan Pickford |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Tino Livramento, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn |
|
Midfielders |
Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham |
|
Forwards |
Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon |
|
Formation |
4-3-3 |
|
Unavailable |
Cole Palmer (not selected), Phil Foden (not selected), Jack Grealish (foot injury), Harry Maguire (not selected), Levi Colwill (not selected) |
|
Head coach |
Thomas Tuchel |
Rice sits deepest. Bellingham pushes forward as the most advanced of the three midfielders. Saka creates from the right, Gordon stretches the pitch on the left, and Kane leads the line. I checked the FA’s official squad announcement and confirmed all first-choice players outside the 5 named absentees are fit and available. This is close to Tuchel’s strongest available XI.
Croatia Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Dominik Livaković |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Josip Stanišić, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Marin Vušković, Joško Gvardiol |
|
Midfielders |
Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić |
|
Forwards |
Mario Pašalić, Andrej Kramarić, Ivan Perišić, Ante Budimir |
|
Formation |
4-2-3-1 |
|
Unavailable |
Mateo Kovačić (doubt, Achilles), Joško Gvardiol (doubt, tibial fracture), Luka Modrić (cheekbone surgery, expected to play with protection) |
|
Head coach |
Zlatko Dalić |
This XI assumes all three doubtful players start. If they don’t, Dalić’s options narrow fast. Kovačić and Modrić are the engine. Kramarić’s 6 qualifying goals make him the primary scoring threat. Budimir provides a physical focal point up top. I monitored Gvardiol’s return from his tibial fracture and he was back in full training as of May 8, but match fitness after 5 months out is a genuine unknown.
Suspensions and Injuries
- England: Palmer (not selected), Foden (not selected), Grealish (foot, out), Maguire (not selected), Colwill (not selected)
- Croatia: Kovačić (doubt, Achilles), Gvardiol (doubt, tibial fracture), Modrić (cheekbone surgery)
England’s missing names are selection decisions. The squad is healthy. Croatia’s situation is the opposite: 3 fitness doubts across the spine of the team. That asymmetry is the single biggest factor shaping this england vs croatia prediction.
Key Matchups in England vs Croatia
Three battles will decide whether Tuchel settles the 2018 score or whether Croatia write another famous World Cup chapter.
Bellingham vs Modrić and Kovačić
This is the generational duel of the group stage, and it’s the reason the bellingham england croatia and modric england croatia searches spike every time these teams meet. At 22, Bellingham has the legs, the energy, and the box-to-box range to overwhelm a midfield pivot that might be operating below full fitness. Modrić, at 40, still reads the game better than almost anyone alive. If Kovačić’s Achilles limits his mobility, Bellingham wins this battle. If both Croatians are fit and sharp, it becomes the best midfield contest of the opening round.
Kane vs Croatia’s Centre-Backs
If Gvardiol starts, Croatia have a genuine world-class presence at the back. If he doesn’t, Vušković and Ćaleta-Car are the pairing, and neither has faced a striker of Kane’s calibre in a knockout-pressure group opener. Kane drops deep, links play, and then arrives in the box for crosses and set pieces. Croatia’s zonal defending at corners has historically been their weakest phase of play. Kane’s aerial presence makes every dead ball dangerous.
England’s Dead-Ball Threat vs Croatia’s Zonal Marking
England used set pieces extensively in qualifying and scored multiple goals from corners and free kicks. Gvardiol’s fitness is the biggest question Dalić must answer, because Croatia’s entire defensive structure at dead balls depends on his positioning. Konsa and Guehi add aerial presence from England’s perspective, making every corner a genuine scoring opportunity. I reviewed the last 4 head-to-head meetings and 3 of the 4 produced at least one set-piece goal.
Where to Bet on England vs Croatia in New Zealand
These are the NZ sportsbooks carrying england vs croatia markets. Market depth and pricing vary, so check each before committing.
LegendPlay
LegendPlay is the first NZ operator to post confirmed odds on this fixture. I checked LegendPlay on May 26 and found pre-match markets already live for match result, correct score, double chance, Asian handicap and goal totals. The 1.75 England win price is competitive for a side with a perfect qualifying record. Kiwi punters looking for an england vs croatia live in-play feed should also monitor LegendPlay once the ball rolls. The platform is the most reliable option for early World Cup market access legal at NZ sportsbooks.
Directionbet
Directionbet lines for this fixture are expected closer to matchday. The platform typically carries competitive odds on major international tournaments. I’ll update this section once Directionbet england vs croatia pricing goes live. Keep an eye on their World Cup specials page for any NZ bonus offer for the match once Group L markets open. Directionbet’s same-game multi builder is worth checking for this fixture once odds are confirmed.
RoyalistPlay
RoyalistPlay is another NZ option for World Cup wagering. Their england vs croatia odds are still to be announced. I’ll verify pricing once the market goes live and update accordingly. RoyalistPlay’s interface is straightforward for single-market wagers and they typically carry match result, goal totals and correct score markets for FIFA fixtures.
England vs Croatia Bet Builder
| Leg 1 | England to win |
| Leg 2 | BTTS Yes (both teams to score). Given Croatia’s attacking record and England’s March defensive wobble, the england vs croatia btts market looks well-placed to land. |
| Leg 3 | Kane anytime goalscorer |
| Combined odds | TBA (verify on LegendPlay bet builder) |
| Rationale | England’s depth makes them likely winners, but Croatia’s creative quality means Kramarić or Budimir can find the net on the counter. Kane’s tournament record and set-piece presence make him the likeliest England scorer. The 3 legs correlate: England control, Kane converts, Croatia grab a consolation. |
Final Pick Will England Beat Croatia?
- Final prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
- Confidence level: Lean
- Best bet: England win at 1.75 + Kane anytime goalscorer (LegendPlay / FestivalPlay)
I’m leaning England, but not with full confidence. The 2018 semi-final memory matters because Croatia have proven repeatedly that they rise to the occasion in World Cup football. Modrić at 40, playing what could be his final tournament, is not a player you write off. That said, the fitness picture tells a clear story. England’s absentees are selection calls. Croatia’s are injury doubts across 3 of their most important players. Tuchel’s squad is deeper, healthier, and arrives with a qualifying record that no opponent managed to dent. The 1.75 match result on LegendPlay is fair. The real edge sits in the goalscorer market, where Kane’s 8 World Cup goals across 2 tournaments make the anytime price worth backing. New Zealand punters chasing the best combination should pair England to win with Kane anytime goalscorer. That captures the likeliest outcome: a competitive but ultimately decisive england vs croatia result where the Three Lions settle the score from 2018.
Responsible Gambling in New Zealand
Betting on the 2026 World Cup should always be an enjoyable experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential support is available through SafeBet at 0800 654 655. You can also visit the Department of Internal Affairs for responsible gambling resources and self-exclusion options. Set deposit limits, time limits, and wager limits before you play, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Must be 18+ and located in New Zealand to place legal sports wagers.
Some links on this page are paid (affiliate) links to licensed operators.
England vs Croatia FAQ
Who will win England vs Croatia?
England are favourites. They qualified with a perfect record, 8 wins and zero goals conceded. Croatia carry fitness doubts across their spine. Our england vs croatia prediction is a 2-1 England victory.
What is the prediction for England vs Croatia?
We predict England 2-1 Croatia. Tuchel’s side have the squad depth to control the match, while Croatia’s tournament pedigree earns them a consolation through Kramarić or a set piece.
What are the odds for England vs Croatia?
LegendPlay prices England to win at 1.75, the draw at 3.75 and Croatia to win at 4.33. Directionbet and RoyalistPlay lines are expected closer to kick-off. Always compare across NZ sportsbooks before placing.
What is the England vs Croatia head-to-head record?
England lead the all-time series 5-2-4 across 11 meetings. The most recent result was England 1-0 Croatia at Euro 2020. Croatia’s most famous win was the 2018 World Cup semi-final, 2-1 after extra time.
When is England vs Croatia being played?
Kick-off is Wednesday, June 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM NZT. It is Matchday 1 of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Where is the England vs Croatia match being played?
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. One of the flagship 2026 World Cup venues in the United States.
What channel is England vs Croatia on in NZ?
Not Sky Sport NZ. TVNZ+ holds the exclusive 2026 World Cup rights in New Zealand. All 104 games are available with an event pass. TVNZ 1 broadcasts select fixtures free-to-air, primarily All Whites matches, the opening game and the final.
Will both teams score in England vs Croatia?
We predict yes. Croatia’s xG across their 3 preparation fixtures averaged above 1.50, and Kramarić scored 6 goals in qualifying. England’s defence is strong but Croatia carry enough threat to find the net at least once.
What is the predicted score for England vs Croatia?
Our england vs croatia correct score prediction is 2-1 to England. Tuchel’s side have the depth to win, but Croatia’s tournament experience makes a clean sheet unlikely.
How can I watch England vs Croatia live in NZ?
TVNZ+ with an event pass is the only way to watch england vs croatia live stream in New Zealand. Kick-off is 9:00 AM NZT on Wednesday, June 18, 2026. Must be 18+ and located in New Zealand to place wagers.
