KANSAS CITY: England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group ‘L’ opener that could set the tone for both teams’ tournament ambitions.
With Ghana and Panama also in the group, the early meeting between its two standout sides carries immediate significance. Victory would hand the winner control from the outset, while defeat risks placing early pressure on qualification hopes.
The fixture also arrives with a familiar narrative.
Croatia’s extra-time victory over England in the 2018 semi-finals remains a defining moment in recent tournament history, and although both squads have evolved, the psychological edge of that night still lingers.
England come into the tournament among the favourites, having cruised through qualifying with a perfect record and no goals conceded.
Under Thomas Tuchel, they appear more structured and tactically disciplined, built around a core that includes Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Saka says England have the “talent, passion and confidence” to finally win the World Cup.
Arsenal’s right winger was asked at England’s Kansas City training base on Monday what lessons the squad could take from recent tournaments ahead of their opening match against Croatia.
“I think with each tournament it was a different lesson, especially reaching two finals,” said the 24-year-old, who has 49 international caps.
“I think it’s mainly the belief. When I look around in the team I see the talent we have, the passion, the confidence.
“We have some real winners, some real leaders. With belief I think we can go to the next step. I’m excited,” he added. “I think all the players are in good spirits. The vibe around the camp is good. We’re just itching to get this first game under way and start our tournament.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s squad after a calf injury forced the withdrawal of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento.
The 23-year-old Livramento suffered the injury in training on Sunday and a scan and medical assessment on Monday confirmed he could not play in the tournament.
World governing body FIFA allows teams to make changes to their final 26-man squads up to 24 hours before their first group match in cases of significant injury.
Croatia remain one of international football’s most resilient tournament teams.
Unbeaten in qualifying — they dropped points in a draw with the Czech Republic — and built around the enduring presence of 40-year-old Luka Modric, they combine experience with tactical discipline and are rarely overawed on the big stage.
The midfield battle is likely to be decisive. England’s high-energy pressing game will look to disrupt Croatia’s rhythm, while Modric, who is making his fifth and likely final World Cup appearance, and Mateo Kovacic will aim to control possession and slow the tempo.
For England, the opener offers a chance to underline their status as contenders. For Croatia, it is another opportunity to defy expectations. For both, it is a first test that could resonate far beyond the opening 90 minutes.
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026
