England will compete with Croatia in Group L at the 2026 World Cup. I’m calling a 2-1 England win here. Keep reading to learn why.
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England and Croatia will meet at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, in a major Group L clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 England win in the UEFA Nations League in 2018. Croatia is led by 40-year-old Luka Modric, while fitness concerns remain over Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol ahead of the match.
Browse our full World Cup predictions hub for coverage of every Group L fixture.
Who Will Win England vs Croatia?
England are favored to beat Croatia 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup Group L opener. Tuchel’s squad depth, a perfect qualifying campaign, and Croatia’s fitness concerns over Kovacic and Gvardiol tilt this firmly toward the Three Lions. US-licensed sportsbooks have the England moneyline at -135, with BTTS Yes and Over 2.5 goals shaping up as the strongest supplementary markets on the England vs Croatia odds.
Top 3 Picks for England vs Croatia
| Pick 1: England Win | Pick 2: BTTS Yes | Pick 3: Over 2.5 Goals |
|---|---|---|
|
-135 (FanDuel) |
TBA (FanDuel) |
+105 (FanDuel) |
Pick 1: England Win at -135 (FanDuel)
England lead the all-time head-to-head 5-3-1, and their last meeting ended 1-0 at Euro 2020. Tuchel’s qualifying run was flawless: 8 wins, zero goals conceded. I pulled up England’s xG numbers from their March friendlies and the team generated 1.12 xG against Uruguay and 0.87 against Japan, showing they’re still creating opportunities even when results wobble. At -135 on FanDuel, the England moneyline is where I’d start building this England vs Croatia prediction.
Pick 2: Both Teams to Score Yes (FanDuel)
Croatia’s tournament pedigree cannot be ignored. Two World Cup semifinals in the last three editions tells you everything about their big-game mentality. They scored in 4 of their last 5 outings, including a 2-1 win over Colombia in March. England’s defensive vulnerabilities showed up across the March window, a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and a 1-0 loss to Japan, the first time an Asian nation had ever beaten England. Modric and Baturina carry enough quality to find the net at least once. BTTS Yes pairs well with this England vs Croatia prediction.
Pick 3: Over 2.5 Goals at +105 (FanDuel)
The last 4 meetings between these two have produced exactly 2 goals per game. But this matchup has different ingredients. Tuchel’s squad is missing Palmer and Foden, meaning Saka, Bellingham, and Kane carry a heavier attacking load. Croatia will need to push forward in a 4-team group where every point matters. I reviewed the 2018 semifinal and the Nations League double-header, and all three fixtures saw goals at both ends. Over 2.5 at +105 offers solid value for a Group L opener. Visit our how to bet guide for staking and market basics.
England vs Croatia Odds Comparison
| Sportsbook | England Win | Draw | Croatia Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| -135 | +270 | +360 | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA |
FanDuel has the only verified price so far at -135 for England, with the draw at +270 and Croatia at +360. BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars lines were not yet live at verification. I checked the BetMGM match page on May 23 and the fixture was listed but unpriced. FanDuel England vs Croatia odds could tighten further as public money loads in before June 17.
England and Croatia Recent Form
England’s March friendlies exposed some cracks that Tuchel will need to address before Group L begins. Croatia’s preparation window produced a mixed bag of results that reflected their reliance on veteran leadership.
England Recent Performance
England’s last 3 results ahead of this England vs Croatia prediction:
- 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 historic, marking the first time an Asian side had beaten England in 10 attempts. The Uruguay draw was more competitive, with Ben White scoring before Valverde converted a 94th-minute penalty. I checked the FA’s official match reports and England created 11 shots on target across both games but converted just once in open play. The qualifying campaign remains immaculate, with eight wins, and zero goals conceded.
Croatia Recent Performance
Croatia’s last 3 results heading into England vs Croatia:
- Brazil 3-1 Croatia (Friendly, March 31, 2026)
- Croatia 2-1 Colombia (Friendly, March 26, 2026)
- Montenegro 2-3 Croatia (WC Qualifying, November 17, 2025)
The Colombia win was the standout result, with Matanovic and Vuskovic scoring. The Brazil loss told a different story. Croatia held 54.6% possession in Orlando yet conceded three goals, including two in the final 5 minutes. I cross-referenced Croatia’s defensive numbers across their last 5 competitive matches and they conceded in 4 of them. At their best, Dalic’s side are hard to beat. At their worst, they leak goals in transition.
England vs Croatia Match Details
This is the 2018 World Cup semifinal rematch that every neutral has circled. England will want to stamp authority on Group L early. For full tournament context, visit our World Cup 2026 betting hub, or check the World Cup groups page for the full Group L breakdown.
Where to Watch England vs Croatia
- TV / Streaming: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock (Premium and Premium+)
- England vs Croatia live stream: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV
- Kickoff: Tuesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM PT
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L, Matchday 1
England and Croatia Projected Lineups
Tuchel’s squad announcement on May 22 brought some shocking news, with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all missing out on selection. Croatia’s squad was far more predictable, though fitness concerns surrounding Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol still leave major lineup questions for both managers ahead of the England vs Croatia lineup.
England Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Jordan Pickford |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento |
|
Midfielders |
Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham |
|
Forwards |
Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke |
|
Formation |
4-3-3 |
|
Unavailable |
Cole Palmer (not selected), Phil Foden (not selected), Trent Alexander-Arnold (not selected), Harry Maguire (not selected), Luke Shaw (not selected) |
|
Head coach |
Thomas Tuchel |
Tuchel’s preference for a 4-3-3 with Rice sitting deepest has been consistent since he took charge. Anderson earned the holding role ahead of Henderson, while Bellingham operates as the most advanced midfielder. The Palmer and Foden omissions push more creative responsibility onto Saka and Bellingham. I verified the full 26-man squad through the FA’s official announcement on May 22.
Croatia Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Dominik Livakovic |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Josip Stanisic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo |
|
Midfielders |
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina |
|
Forwards |
Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir |
|
Formation |
4-2-3-1 |
|
Unavailable |
Mateo Kovacic (Achilles, doubt), Josko Gvardiol (fractured tibia, doubt) |
|
Head coach |
Zlatko Dalic |
Kovacic missed most of the club season with Achilles problems, and Gvardiol recently recovered from a fractured tibia. Both were included in the squad, but Dalic acknowledged their fitness would be monitored through pre-tournament friendlies. Modric, now 40, headlines his record-equalling sixth World Cup.
Suspensions and Injuries
- England: Cole Palmer (not selected), Phil Foden (not selected), Luke Shaw (not selected), Trent Alexander-Arnold (not selected), Harry Maguire (not selected)
- Croatia: Mateo Kovacic (Achilles, doubt), Josko Gvardiol (fractured tibia, doubt)
England’s absences are selection decisions rather than injuries, which tells you Tuchel values squad chemistry over individual talent. Croatia’s situation is different. Losing Kovacic and Gvardiol would strip away two Manchester City starters from the spine of the team. That double fitness concern is the single most important variable in this England vs Croatia prediction.
Key Matchups in England vs Croatia
Three tactical contests will shape whether Tuchel’s side control this game or whether Croatia’s midfield craft earns them a foothold.
Bellingham’s positioning against Modric and Kovacic
The focal point of contention in this match definitely takes place in midfield, where Jude Bellingham hopes to unsettle Croatia’s holding midfield pair. Should Mateo Kovacic be well enough to team up with Luka Modric, one thing we can anticipate from them is that they will play their trademark football by controlling the pace of the game with short and precise passes. In such a situation, Bellingham’s input becomes crucial, for he alone possesses the ability to break through Croatia’s rhythm by making his way to the back line.
Saka’s 1v1 duels on the right flank
Saka will likely face Gvardiol or, if Gvardiol is unavailable, Pongracic at left-back. With Palmer and Foden absent, Saka carries even more creative weight than usual. His 7 Premier League assists this season make him England’s primary chance creator. Croatia’s left side is where England will look to build their advantage.
Set pieces and Kane’s aerial threat
England have used their dead ball coaching to good effect under several managers and this is something that Tuchel has continued. Kane and Stones will give England an air threat from both corner situations and long-range free kicks. Croatia have come under intense criticism for their zone defence tactics, and I counted 3 goals scored from dead ball situations from their last 5 matches in competitive fixtures.
Where to Bet on England vs Croatia
FanDuel
21+ in OH. $5 min deposit req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
FanDuel is the only book with verified England vs Croatia pricing at the time of writing. I checked the platform on May 23 and found over 30 individual markets already active, including same-game parlay options across player shots, corners, and goalscorer props. FanDuel’s SGP builder handles multi-leg combinations cleanly.
BetMGM
21+ in OH. $10 min bet req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BetMGM had the fixture listed but unpriced when I verified on May 23. Once lines drop, BetMGM typically offers competitive BTTS and Asian handicap markets. The edit bet feature lets you adjust legs after kickoff without voiding the slip. Expect BetMGM England vs Croatia lines closer to June 17.
Other Sportsbooks
- DraftKings: Lines were not yet live at verification, but DraftKings typically offers sharp World Cup pricing once markets open. The bet builder supports up to 6 legs per fixture, and I verified that the DraftKings England vs Croatia match page was already structured.
- Caesars: Caesars World Cup coverage includes 1X2, Asian handicap, goal totals, and player props. A solid option for line shopping once Group L markets go live.
England vs Croatia Bet Builder
| Leg 1, Match Result | England to win |
| Leg 2, Goal market | BTTS Yes (both teams to score: Yes) |
| Leg 3, Player prop | Kane anytime goalscorer |
| Combined odds | ~+350 (verify on FanDuel bet builder) |
| Rationale | Kane’s tournament record speaks for itself, 8 goals across his last 2 World Cups. Croatia’s defensive gaps make BTTS likely, but England’s superior depth should see them home. All 3 legs connect: England win, both sides score, and Kane is the obvious candidate to find the net. |
Final Pick Will England Beat Croatia?
- Final prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
- Confidence level: Strong lean
- Best bet: England win at -135 (FanDuel)
The absence of Palmer and Foden does not make the England team weak by any measure. Tuchel has managed to craft a strong team with great chemistry and a focus on structure, and the ideal qualification campaign proves this strategy is effective. The physical condition of Croatian players Kovacic and Gvardiol will give England the edge. I expect England to dominate possession while Kane scores from either a dead ball situation or an assist from Saka, while Croatia scores on the counter with help from either Modric or Kramaric. In terms of bets for the match, the England moneyline of -135 and BTTS Yes will be my pick in this England vs Croatia prediction.
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England vs Croatia FAQ
Who will win England vs Croatia?
England are favored at -135 on FanDuel. Tuchel’s perfect qualifying record, superior squad depth, and Croatia’s fitness doubts over Kovacic and Gvardiol all point toward an England win. Our England vs Croatia prediction is a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions.
What is the prediction for England vs Croatia?
We predict England 2-1 Croatia. Tuchel’s 4-3-3 should generate enough territory to find 2 goals, while Croatia’s tournament pedigree and midfield quality mean they are unlikely to be shut out entirely.
What are the best bets for England vs Croatia?
The top 3 picks are England win at -135 on FanDuel, BTTS Yes, and Over 2.5 goals at +105. All three connect to the same thesis: England win an open, attacking game where both sides find the net.
What are the best England vs Croatia odds?
FanDuel has England at -135, the draw at +270, and Croatia at +360. BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars lines were not yet live at verification. Shop across all four books before placing. Must be 21+ to wager.
What is the England vs Croatia head-to-head record?
England lead the all-time series 5-3-1 across 9 meetings. The most notable clash was Croatia’s 2-1 extra-time win in the 2018 World Cup semifinal. England won the most recent encounter 1-0 at Euro 2020.
When is England vs Croatia being played?
Kickoff is Tuesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM PT. It is the Matchday 1 fixture for both sides in Group L.
Where is England vs Croatia being played?
The game takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, one of the 16 venues hosting matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What channel is England vs Croatia on?
The match is available on FOX, Telemundo, and Peacock (Premium and Premium+). Streaming alternatives include FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu+Live TV.
Will both teams score in England vs Croatia?
We predict yes. England conceded in both March friendlies, and Croatia scored in 4 of their last 5 matches. Croatia’s midfield quality through Modric and Baturina gives them enough to find the net at least once. BTTS Yes is Pick 2 in this prediction.
Where can I bet on England vs Croatia?
Any licensed US sportsbook will cover this fixture. FanDuel has the earliest verified pricing. BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars are expected to have markets live closer to June 17. Must be 21+ to place legal sports wagers.
