1966 is drifting ever further into the past. The song Three Lions wistfully bemoans 30 years of English hurt. You can double that now.
However, with a new World Cup brings inevitable renewed optimism. England can genuinely claim to possess the best player in world football in Harry Kane, with a supporting cast including a Galactico in Jude Bellingham, Premier League champions in Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and the enormous promise of Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Croatia, though, know all about upsetting the big guns. They have reached the last two World Cup semi-finals, beating England en route to the final in Russia. For a first group stage match, this is a killer clash between two relative heavyweights. Thomas Tuchel will be relying on England’s hot weather training to outlast their veteran opponents.
England vs Croatia Match Odds
England are narrowly odds-on to begin their campaign with a win. 3/4 is the best price on offer, while Croatia are 4/1 to cause a slight upset in Group L’s opening fixture.
England vs Croatia Tips & Predictions
Some quality match-ups have already played out across the World Cup group stage, but in terms of recent history and pedigree, England vs Croatia boasts the highest profile. Both have reached major tournament finals in the past decade while clashing along the way.
While not it is foolish to even think about writing off Croatia, the Vatreni are an ageing outfit. All of their likely front six are over the age of 31, with Luka Modric at 40 and Ivan Perisic at 37 guaranteed to be playing in their last World Cups. They still possess guile and exceptional technical ability, but England’s younger legs should outlast them here.
Croatia’s recent form is also questionable, a 2-0 warm-up defeat to Belgium speaking to their modern fragilities. England were not spectacular in beating New Zealand 1-0 before the tournament, but looked to have grown into what Tuchel is looking for when defeating Costa Rica 3-0 last week. This is a much sterner examination, but when Tuchel can field his first choice starting XI, there will be few more complete at this year’s World Cup.
Set pieces may also be a theme for England. Given Arsenal’s proficiency at them en route to the title, backing England to play for corners, and score from one courtesy of a centre back, looks a decent play in this opener. Similarly, they look well-placed to stifle this game from a defensive standpoint. A win to nil is on the card, even if that is tempting fate.
Our Tips for England vs Croatia
England to Win to Nil @ 7/4
Over 11.5 Corners @ 10/3
John Stones to Score Anytime @ 14/1
England vs Croatia World Cup Betting Offers
England vs Croatia Head-To-Head
England have only lost one of their last six meetings against Croatia. Unfortunately for all concerned, it came in the biggest of the lot, as Mario Mandzukic’s goal sunk the Three Lions in the 2018 World Cup semi final.
In 11 matches between the two sides, England are favoured: six wins to Croatia’s three, with two draws. They last met at Euro 2020 when Raheem Sterling’s goal secured a 1-0 win in their group stage encounter. Another tournament opener awaits the two nations on Wednesday night.
England vs Croatia World Cup Record
Croatia have outperformed England, and everyone’s expectations, at the last two World Cups. They were finalists in 2018, then semi-finalists in Qatar in 2022. They also reached the last four in 1998; no nation punches above their weight better on the global stage.
Yet, in the count that matters, England reign. World champions in 1966 on home soil, there have been 60 years of hurt since, with two semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018, the latter seeing them knocked out by Croatia in extra time.
Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.