England v Croatia: Commentary, reviews, goals and stats as the Three Lions get their World Cup campaign underway
England open their World Cup Group L campaign against Croatia in Arlington tonight.
The formation of Thomas Tuchel’s men has not been good as they had their kit stolen on their way to Kansas City and defender Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
Croatia have an aging squad but still mature in terms of quality. Experienced Luka Modric continues to patrol the pitch while Josko Gvardiol and young talent Luka Vuskovic make up two-thirds of the defence.
Modric was instrumental in Croatia’s 2018 semi-final win over England and the Three Lions will be desperate for revenge.
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Where to watch England v Croatia: TV and streaming online
England v Croatia kicks off tomorrow night at 9pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and broadcast on ITVX.
Click HERE for the full World Cup TV guide
England v Croatia stats
- This is the seventh time Croatia is playing in the World Cup. In their last six appearances, they have either been eliminated from the group stage (three times) or reached the semi-finals (three times), including a run to the final in 2018.
- Croatia and France are the only teams to have reached the semi-finals in each of the last two editions of the World Cup.
- Croatia has won all four World Cup penalties; a joint-best record in the history of the competition and Germany.
- Luka Modrić has completed more breakaway passes in the past three World Cups than any other player – the Croatia captain has broken through opposition lines 199 times in 17 games.
- England will be playing in their 17th World Cup – and it marks their eighth consecutive participation, the longest run in their history.
- Since winning their only World Cup in 1966, England have advanced to the quarterfinals only twice: 1990 (fourth place) and 2018 (fourth place).
- England kept nine clean sheets in their 10 games in 2025, including a shutout in eight UEFA World Cup qualifiers, making them the only team not to qualify for UEFA qualification; England’s competition at 2.1 xG was also the most expected goals of all European teams.
- England have won both and kept a clean sheet in their last 10 matches, becoming only the second European country to do so after Spain between October 2014 and June 2016.
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