Croatia begin their seventh World Cup campaign on Wednesday with a challenging Group L fixture against England.
Zlatko Dalic has a fully fit squad available to face the European heavyweights. The Vatreni boast an incredible tournament record, reaching the semi-finals in the last two editions. They remained unbeaten throughout qualification, dropping points in just one match against Czechia.
Croatia team news
Dalic boasts a fully fit squad after several key players recovered from recent injury scares in time for the tournament opener. The legendary Luka Modric has overcome a cheekbone fracture sustained in April and is expected to captain his nation once again. He will control the midfield tempo alongside Manchester City star Mateo Kovacic.
Josip Stanisic and veteran Ivan Perisic will operate as dynamic wing-backs on the flanks. Perisic arrives in great form after scoring and assisting 26 goals for PSV Eindhoven last season. Dominik Livakovic will start between the posts behind a robust three-man defensive system. Josip Sutalo and Josko Gvardiol will anchor the defence alongside teenage starlet Luka Vuskovic.
Duje Caleta-Car provides an alternative defensive option after returning to full training following a back problem. Luka Sucic and Martin Baturina will provide creative spark in advanced attacking roles. In attack, local Dallas forward Petar Musa could start ahead of Andrej Kramaric. Musa has scored 12 goals in 13 MLS appearances to earn his opportunity.
Croatia predicted lineup
Croatia predicted XI: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa.
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match at Dallas Stadium kicks off at 21:00 BST on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
How to watch England vs Croatia?
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and can be streamed via ITVX. Football fans in the United States can watch the broadcast live on Fox Sports.
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Source: The Football Faithful
