When the World Cup 2026 draw placed England and Croatia in the same group, football fans around the globe immediately cast their minds back to that dramatic 2018 semi-final — a night that ended in heartbreak for the Three Lions. Eight years on, the rematch arrives in Group L, and England will be eager to settle the score.

The group picture

Group L also features Ghana and Panama, making England and Croatia the clear frontrunners. Both European sides understand that winning this opener is about more than three points — it sets up a favourable path through the knockout rounds. Crucially, avoiding defeat may matter even more for England: with Panama the group's weakest side, a draw here would still leave the Three Lions well positioned on the final matchday.

Can Croatia hurt England?

Croatia remain a side built on control and resilience. Luka Modric, defying the years, continues to pull strings alongside Mateo Kovacic in central midfield — two of the most technically refined pass-masters in the tournament. Going forward, however, Croatia lack genuine firepower. They are renowned knockout specialists, capable of grinding through 120 minutes and winning on penalties, but imposing themselves over 90 minutes against a physical opponent is a different challenge.

England's tactical blueprint

Manager Thomas Tuchel's side look sharp in transition, but the key question is whether they can dictate play against Croatia's experienced midfield block and carve open a well-organised defence. Harry Kane's tendency to drift deep for the ball could either disrupt Croatia's shape or simply pull him away from goal.

At Euro 2020, England unlocked Croatia through Kalvin Phillips making runs from deep while Declan Rice anchored the midfield. A similar template could emerge here, with Elliott Anderson capable of filling a box-to-box role, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers offering late arrivals into the penalty area, and Nico O'Reilly threatening from left-back — a role he performs regularly for his club.

Prediction: England 2-0 Croatia

Expect patience in the early stages, with neither side willing to leave themselves exposed — much as Brazil and Morocco played out a cautious 1-1 draw in their opener. England, though, carry more quality and should find a way through. A set-piece in the second half is likely to break the deadlock, before the game opens up in the closing stages and England add a second.