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CORNERFLICK

England vs Croatia — World Cup 2026

FILE No. M-823CLASS: GROUP MATCHSTATUS: GROUP STAGEWC 2026
England
VS
Croatia
14
Days
:
05
Hours
:
57
Mins
:
14
Secs
England vs Croatia
3
All-time meetings
2
England wins
0
Draws
1
Croatia wins
02 · Tale of the Tape

Tale of the tape.

27.2
Average Age
28.2
03 · The Form Guide

Last five walks into the room.

Who's hotter going in? Latest competitive results, newest first.

England

L
D
W
W
W
Mar 31
vs Japan
Friendlies · Friendly International · Wembley Stadium
0–1
Mar 27
vs Uruguay
Friendlies · Friendly International · Wembley Stadium
1–1
Nov 16
at Albania
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 10 · Air Albania Stadium
2–0
Nov 13
vs Serbia
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 9 · Wembley Stadium
2–0
Oct 14
at Latvia
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 8 · Daugavas stadions
5–0

Croatia

L
W
W
W
W
Apr 1
at Brazil
Friendlies · Friendly International · Camping World Stadium
1–3
Mar 26
at Colombia
Friendlies · Friendly International · Camping World Stadium
2–1
Nov 17
at Montenegro
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 10 · Podgorica City Stadium
3–2
Nov 14
vs Faroe Islands
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 9 · Stadion HNK Rijeka
3–1
Oct 12
vs Gibraltar
World Cup - Qualification Europe · Group Stage - 8 · Gradski stadion Varazdin
3–0
05 · Key Battles

Three duels that decide it.

Three pivotal duels will shape this group-stage clash: midfield mastery between two Real Madrid architects, winger flair tested against defensive nous on the flank, and a centre-back's composure under forward pressure.

Central midfield · The maestro duel
Two Real Madrid stars clash in the engine room. Bellingham's athleticism and box-to-box range will test Modrić's experience and passing range, but the Croatian veteran's game intelligence and precision could blunt England's creative thrust. A battle of youth versus wizardry.
Right flank · Pace versus positioning
Madueke's directness and explosiveness down the right will be met by Šutalo's smart, aggressive defending. The Ajax man has the positioning to crowd the winger early, but one moment of hesitation could be punished by Madueke's electric acceleration and final ball.
Centre-back versus striker · Test of composure
Stones' ball-playing poise will face Kramarić's intelligent movement and pressing. The Hoffenheim forward hunts aggressively, but Stones' experience and positional awareness should keep him on a short leash. Expect composed distribution to thwart Croatia's pressure.
06 · Style Clash

England's Modern Intensity vs Croatia's Timeless Craft

Tuchel's England seeks to dominate through intensity and transitions, while Dalić's Croatia will look to control tempo through midfield mastery and geometric precision.

// The Pressing Collective
England
vs
// The Patient Builders
Croatia
Vertical
Build-up speed
Lateral
Aggressive
Midfield press
Spatial
Explosive
Transition tempo
Methodical
Progressive
Possession style
Rhythmic
Compact
Defensive line
Deep
Collective
Creative outlet
Singular
07 · Win Probability

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

38ENG
24DRAW
38CRO
38%
24%
38%
09 · The Bench

The bench faceoff.

T. Tuchel
England · Head coach

T. Tuchel

🇩🇪
Z. Dalić
Croatia · Head coach

Z. Dalić

12 · Where to watch

Where to watch.

USA
FOX / Telemundo
UK & Ireland
BBC / ITV
Latin America
Globo / TyC Sports
Worldwide
FIFA+ (selected territories)
// match file
England vs Croatia.
The full dossier — form, key battles, the take — sharpens closer to kickoff.
GROUP STAGE