Croatia predicted lineup vs England for FIFA World Cup 2026

England and Croatia faced each other last time in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Croatia will start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a high-intensity clash against Thomas Tuchel’s England. The two sides will kick off Group L play at the World Cup, which also includes Ghana and Panama.

England had a dominant run in the qualifying round, conceding no goals and topping their group, earning direct qualification. Much like England, Croatia also topped their group in qualifying. They finished first in Group L with 22 points, winning 7 matches and drawing 1.

Zlatko Dalic has picked a strong squad, which can make quick transitions throughout the game and play interesting football. While the side have experienced players to support the side’s framework, they also have young players to boost creativity and innovation.

The last time these two sides met was in the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia prevailed, securing a berth in the final. Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is set to make his 199th international appearance for the side.

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Croatia team news ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against England

The current side have a lot of experience, as they still have six players from their historic 2018 campaign.

Andrej Kramarić, who scored 6 goals in the qualifiers, will be expected to continue scoring for Croatia at the summer competition. However, Peter Musa could also get a chance ahead of the 34-year-old.

Meanwhile, other veterans, Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić, will be expected to support the team from midfield by strengthening the framework while also contributing to the attack. On the other hand, Luka Sucic and Martin Baturina are expected to operate as the team’s creative engine. Manchester City star Mateo Kovacic is another player who could prove crucial for Croatia’s success.

Taking a look away from the experienced players, 19-year-old central defender Luka Vuskovic could be Vatreni’s breakthrough star this season. Dominik Livakovic will keep the gloves as a three-man defence, which will include Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo and Josko Gvardiol.

Croatia’s predicted line-up vs. England

Croatia’s predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa.

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