England vs Croatia predictions, stats, tips & odds
CroatiaPlayer stats will appear once the competition begins.
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England open their 2026 World Cup campaign with a tricky Group L assignment against Croatia. Kick-off is 9:00pm (UK time) tonight, Wednesday 17th June. Our full England vs Croatia predictions and best bets are below, including a tempting 14/1 selection.
The Three Lions’ opening game is arguably their hardest test in Group L and could go a long way to shaping their route through to the knockout stage.
Staged at AT&T Stadium in Texas, the game gives supporters of both nations their first look at how the teams handle North America and, with almost every other side already a game into the tournament, it could hint at how far each can go this summer.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest scoring half: second half | 5/4 @ Betfair (44.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | A cautious start from both sides points towards second-half goals, with recent trends adding weight to that expectation. England have seen six of their last 10 goals arrive after the 75th minute, while Croatia have also been involved in late drama, with six of their last 10 goals scored or conceded coming after the 80th minute. That pattern suggests both teams tend to open up as matches wear on, particularly when fatigue sets in and spaces begin to appear. With each side opening their group campaign against their toughest opponent, caution is likely to take priority early on. A defeat would be damaging, while a draw would offer stability and a win would be highly valuable, so both teams may look to keep structure tight and limit risk before increasing attacking intent later in the game. |
| Kane to score from outside the box | 14/1 @ bet365 (6.7%) | ⭐⭐ | Harry Kane to score from outside the box looks strong value at 14/1 in the betting markets. The England captain continues to perform at an elite level, with more than 70 goals for club and country since last summer’s Club World Cup. His recent performances against New Zealand and Costa Rica highlighted a growing tendency to drop deeper, link play and create shooting opportunities from distance. That added involvement between the lines has increased his threat from range, particularly when space opens up around the edge of the box. Kane has also been more willing to test goalkeepers from outside the area this season, with six of his 36 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich arriving from distance, underlining both his confidence and consistency in that aspect of his game. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into England vs Croatia
England arrive at the World Cup on the back of a faultless qualifying campaign, topping Group K with a 100% record and without conceding a single goal. The group was hardly daunting, but emphatic wins over Serbia and Latvia showed Thomas Tuchel’s side can flex their muscles when required.
The Three Lions sit among the favourites for the whole competition, and this opener could reveal just how ready they are to take the next step. Heat inside AT&T Stadium may also play a part, and England will have to deal with those conditions if they are to thrive.
Croatia enjoyed a similar qualifying run, topping their group with relative comfort. A 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic was the only blemish, yet they still finished six points clear of their nearest rivals. They conceded just four times in qualifying, an average of 0.5 per game, and scored 26 – four more than England.
Croatia boast strong recent World Cup pedigree, finishing runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, and will be desperate to go a step further this time. For a nation of under 4m people they have consistently punched above their weight, and with several high-class players in their ranks it is easy to see why.
England team news
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are both in contention for the No.10 role, with Bellingham still the leading option. Bukayo Saka may have his minutes managed, which could open the door for Noni Madueke, while Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford compete for the opposite wing. Marc Guehi is expected to start at centre-back, with Ezri Konsa and John Stones also in contention. Reece James is set to feature at right-back after a strong end to the season, while Nico O’Reilly is pushing for the left-back spot. Jordan Pickford remains England’s undisputed No.1 in goal.
Croatia team news
Zlatko Dalic leads Croatia into the tournament as one of international football’s most consistent sides, with Luka Modric captaining the team at 40 and now operating in a more advanced No.10 role for AC Milan to manage his workload. Mateo Kovacic provides energy alongside him in central midfield, while Luka Sucic and Martin Baturina offer younger alternatives in reserve. Andrej Kramaric leads the line as Croatia’s third-highest all-time scorer, with Ivan Perisic still a key presence. At the back, Josko Gvardiol is expected to be available after recovering from a shin fracture. Duje Caleta-Car and Josip Stanisic are likely to support him in defence, while Dominik Livakovic remains the established goalkeeper.
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
England have a good record against Croatia in recent years, winning four of the last six meetings. Their only loss came in the biggest game, with Croatia winning after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Games have, generally, been quite tight in recent years, with neither side winning by more than one goal since 2009.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 13/06/21 | England 1-0 Croatia | European Championships |
| 18/11/18 | England 2-1 Croatia | Nations League |
| 12/10/18 | Croatia 0-0 England | Nations League |
| 11/07/18 | Croatia 2-1 England (AET) | World Cup |
| 09/09/09 | England 5-1 Croatia | World Cup qualifying |
| 10/09/08 | Croatia 1-4 England | World Cup qualifying |
Who will grab the advantage in Group L opener?
Group L’s pecking order could be shaped by this opener. There is little to separate the two in our England vs Croatia predictions. Our best bet stays the second half to be highest-scoring at 5/4. Alternatively, we like the look of 14/1 for Kane to score from outside the box.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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