England tackle Croatia within the opening fixture of Group L on the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight.
Thomas Tuchel’s staff meet a Croatian facet with a proud historical past on this competitors, in what represents a troublesome opening check for the Three Lions.
Advertisement
Ahead of the clash in Texas, we’ve picked our England and Croatia Combined XI.
Jordan Pickford enters his third World Cup as England’s number one goalkeeper. The 32-year-old has hardly ever let England down in previous tournaments, reaching a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals. He might surpass Peter Shilton’s nationwide report of 17 World Cup video games for England this summer season.
Right-back: Reece James – England
Thomas Tuchel can be delighted to have a match Reece James obtainable this summer season, with the Chelsea captain one of the very best right-backs in world soccer. James’s combine of athleticism and technical high quality has seen him emerge as England’s first-choice full-back.
Advertisement
Centre-back: John Stones – England
John Stones barely kicked a ball for Manchester City within the Premier League final season, however seems set to be named within the facet this night. The 32-year-old’s big-game expertise is invaluable to England because the Three Lions look to go deep into the event.
Centre-back: Josko Gvardiol – Croatia
A membership teammate of Stones’s final season, Josko Gvardiol, will anchor the Croatian defence. At simply 24, the bullish defender is about for his third main event with the nationwide staff and can companion Luka Vuskovic in a single of essentially the most thrilling pairings in North America.
A breakout season for Nico O’Reilly earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has insisted left-back will not be his pure place, however the 21-year-old’s tremendous all-round expertise has locked him in for that function this summer season.
Advertisement
Elliot Anderson is being bandied about for a British switch report transfer this summer season, however it could be remiss for us to omit Modric.
Even at 40, the Milan midfielder is a grasp metronome and has tormented England along with his potential to maintain possession in previous conferences.
Thomas Tuchel has named Declan Rice as vice-captain for the event, a nod to the midfielder’s significance to England.
A box-to-box powerhouse, Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s title success within the Premier League. After getting that monkey off his again, subsequent on his record can be ending England’s drought.
Advertisement
Does Jude Bellingham begin? It’s a query that continues to be requested.
The Real Madrid midfielder must be a central determine this summer season, even amid robust competitors for a spot. He has the assumption to drive England ahead.
Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – England
Bukayo Saka’s season with Arsenal was one thing of a juxtaposition. A drought-breaking Premier League title was the end result of seasons of progress, however Saka’s particular person output dipped as he managed accidents.
Saka, nevertheless, has so typically been a dependable performer for England on the large stage.
Fresh from a £69m transfer to Barcelona, Anthony Gordon can be out to show that he belongs on the high stage this summer season.
Advertisement
Gordon seems set to edge out Marcus Rashford for tonight’s opening fixture and can be decided to carry onto his place within the staff. After scoring 10 targets within the Champions League final season, he’s proven he can thrive.
Forward: Harry Kane – England
Harry Kane has stated this has been his best-ever season, and it’s exhausting to argue. A staggering 61 targets in 51 video games for Bayern, main the Bundesliga facet to a home double.
Can he add the World Cup and cement his standing as Ballon d’Or favorite?
Read – England vs Croatia – Head to head record and past meetings
See extra – England vs Croatia – Match preview and team news