Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Day 2 of the World Cup delivers Group L's marquee clash at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Croatia, runners-up once and third-place finishers twice, face England, chasing their first title since 1966. This marks Thomas Tuchel's first World Cup as a national team coach, while 40-year-old Luka Modrić likely plays his final tournament after five consecutive appearances since 2006.
- England deploy a 4-2-3-1 against Croatia's 3-4-2-1, setting up a crucial midfield battle. Declan Rice (Arsenal) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) form England's double pivot, tasked with containing the experience of 40-year-old Modrić (AC Milan) and 31-year-old Mario Pašalić (Atalanta). Rice, now 27 and at his second World Cup, has elevated to world-class status since joining Arsenal.
- Both teams have clear attacking focal points. England captain Harry Kane (31, Bayern Munich) equals Billy Wright's record with his third World Cup appearance, bringing his 79 international goals and a staggering 61-goal season across all competitions in 2025-26. Croatia counter with Petar Musa (28, FC Dallas) as their lone striker, supported by youngsters Martin Baturina (23, Como) and Petar Sučić (22, Inter Milan) playing behind him.
- A fascinating Manchester City duel unfolds between clubmates. Croatia's left centre-back Joško Gvardiol (24) broke through at Qatar 2022, leveraging his 185cm frame and pace to earn 48 caps and 4 goals. England's right centre-back John Stones (32) brings 87 caps of experience, having evolved under Guardiola into a utility player capable of stepping into midfield. Club teammates become opponents in this intriguing matchup.
- The wide areas promise compelling battles. Croatia's left flank features 37-year-old Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), a legend with 133 caps and 38 goals across four consecutive World Cups since 2014. England counter with Chelsea captain Reece James (26) at right-back, making his World Cup debut after overcoming persistent injuries. Perišić's experience meets James's physicality in a key individual duel.
- Jude Bellingham (22, Real Madrid) starts as England's attacking midfielder in his second World Cup. The Champions League winner leads Tuchel's attack with 47 caps and 6 goals, using his box-to-box energy and scoring ability to threaten Croatia's defense. Croatia respond with Mateo Kovačić (31, Manchester City), whose 113 caps provide vital midfield experience alongside former Real Madrid teammate Modrić.
- Both benches boast quality options. England's depth includes Saudi League top scorer Ivan Toney (Brentford) making his international return, with Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) among the substitutes. Croatia have veteran striker Andrej Kramarić (35, Hoffenheim) on the bench, bringing 95 caps and 31 goals. The timing and impact of substitutions could prove decisive.
- Three points from this Group L opener would provide crucial momentum heading into matches against Panama (June 23) and Ghana (June 27). England pursue their first title in 60 years since 1966, while Croatia aim for a fourth deep run following their runner-up finish in 2018 and third place in 2022. This must-win opener for both sides kicks off at 3pm local time (5am JST).