Croatia vs England Tips, Odds & Prediction for World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this preview was written.

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, and the game kicks off at 22:00 CAT on Wednesday, June 17. Thomas Tuchel's team came through their final warm-up with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica and are among the favourites, while Zlatko Dalic is once again relying on the ageless Luka Modric, who is about to become the first Croatian to appear at five World Cups. I see a careful Group L opener between two disciplined teams that both like to have the ball. Every one of our World Cup betting tips sits in its own dedicated section.

Croatia

Croatia are still a quality outfit, and I think the experience in their midfield makes them a tricky opponent for any team. Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic continue to dictate the rhythm, and Josko Gvardiol ranks among the best left sided defenders on the planet. Dalic's worry is an ageing squad that lacks speed on the turnover, something England's runners could take advantage of. I expect Croatia to try to take the sting out of the game, hold the ball and keep England frustrated for as long as possible.

Expected Lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic; Budimir.

England

England look in good shape, and as I see it Tuchel has found a balanced and well organised side. Jordan Pickford is in goal behind a defence that should include Reece James and Marc Guehi, and Declan Rice holds the midfield so Jude Bellingham is free to get forward. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon bring speed on the flanks, Harry Kane leads the attack and there are no new injury problems in the squad. I think England will pose the bigger threat in front of goal and dominate long periods of the match.

Expected Lineup: Pickford; James, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

I am expecting a close, tactical battle where England's extra speed and sharper finishing make the difference by the end. Croatia will look to keep the ball and wear down England's patience, but I back Tuchel's team to sneak it thanks to one of their wingers. My forecast: Croatia 0 England 1.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.72)

My pick is Under 2.5 Goals, because I think two careful, disciplined teams will serve up a low scoring opener. Croatia want to hog the ball and slow things down, and Tuchel's England kept a clean sheet in their last warm-up and look solid at the back. At 1.72 a tight match with no more than two goals is the bet I have most faith in.