England and Croatia meet at Wembley Stadium today at 23:00 (GMT+3) in their World Cup Group L opener.
After four straight tournament-opening wins, England should have enough to keep that run going.
Below is the full match preview, predictions and betting analysis.
England vs Croatia Tips
- England vs Croatia: England to Win @ with N/A
- England vs Croatia: Anthony Gordon To Score Anytime @ with N/A
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
England vs Croatia Odds
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| England |
|
| Draw |
|
| Croatia |
|
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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England vs Croatia Predictions
A familiar tournament storyline returns
England open another major tournament against familiar opposition. Croatia ended the Three Lions' World Cup dream in the 2018 semi-finals, but the recent trend between these sides points in a different direction.
England beat Croatia in their opening match of Euro 2020 before going on to reach the final. Wembley also adds another layer to the occasion, while Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first tournament match as England manager.
The results under Tuchel have been strong. England have won 11 of their 14 matches since his appointment, and all 11 victories arrived alongside clean sheets. Yet the bigger concern for Croatia is their recent tournament record. They failed to get out of their group at Euro 2024 after a 3-0 defeat to Spain and draws with Italy and Albania, with neither of those latter sides reaching this World Cup.
Croatia also progressed through a qualifying section where the Czech Republic represented the only major threat. Defeats to Brazil and Belgium during 2026 have done little to change the impression that this squad is no longer producing the same level seen during the run to the 2018 final.
England have won their last four tournament openers, while Croatia have lost two of their last three matches. A bet on England to Win appeals at 1.70.
Tip: England to Win @ with N/A
Gordon looks ready for a leading role
Anthony Gordon is the clear player angle in this market. The winger struck 10 Champions League goals for Newcastle last season and added another goal in England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando.
His recent scoring numbers are supported by a role that continues to expand. Gordon spent periods of last season operating as a makeshift striker for Newcastle, giving him experience in central areas as well as his usual work from wide positions.
There is also the connection with Harry Kane. Tuchel previously pushed to bring Kane to Bayern Munich and now builds his England side around the striker in a 4-2-3-1 system. Kane’s time in Germany has coincided with strong attacking returns from Bayern’s wide players, and Gordon may be the next beneficiary.
Still, this selection remains a player-focused play rather than a match result angle. Gordon's goal against Costa Rica arrived at the right time, and his 10-goal Champions League campaign provides the strongest piece of evidence behind the price.
Backing Anthony Gordon to score anytime seems a safe strategy at 4.00.
Tip: Anthony Gordon To Score Anytime @ with N/A
England vs Croatia Projected Starting Lineups
England
Pickford, O’Reilly, Konsa, Guehi, James, Anderson, Rice, Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane.
Croatia
Livakovic, Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Sutalo, Perisic, Kovacic, Modric, Stanisic, Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir.
