England vs Croatia — The Rematch
England face Croatia today at AT&T Stadium in Dallas in their World Cup 2026 Group L opener. The last time these two met at a World Cup was the 2018 semi-final — Croatia won 2-1 after extra time, ending England dream of reaching the Final. England then beat Croatia 1-0 at Euro 2020. This is the rubber match on the biggest stage.
England Team News
Jude Bellingham starts in midfield alongside Declan Rice. Phil Foden plays on the left. Bukayo Saka on the right. Harry Kane leads the attack. Kieran Trippier at left-back despite being right-footed — his delivery from set pieces is considered too valuable to leave out. Jordan Pickford in goal.
Croatia Team News
Luka Modric at 40 — playing in his fifth and final World Cup. Ivan Perisic retired. The squad is significantly older than 2018 and missing key quality in wide positions. But Modric orchestration and Croatia defensive discipline remain elite.
Key Battle — Bellingham vs Modric
The most compelling individual duel of the match. Bellingham at 22 vs Modric at 40. The most complete midfielder of his generation against the greatest midfielder of the last decade. If Bellingham dominates, England win. If Modric controls the tempo, Croatia cause problems.
Prediction
England 2-0 Croatia. Bellingham scores one, Kane converts a penalty. Croatia struggle to create against England defensive organization. England start their World Cup campaign with a statement win — finally repaying the 2018 semi-final defeat.
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