❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
England and Croatia get Group L under way on Wednesday, when they meet at the Dallas Stadium on the sixth day of World Cup 2026.
The pair have been drawn alongside Ghana and Panama, whose game kicks off at midnight, and are expected to scrap it out for top spot in the group.
On the back of a flawless qualifying campaign – eight games, eight wins, eight clean sheets – the Three Lions are the favourites to win Group L but will know they cannot underestimate Wednesday’s opponents.
Read more football features: Best players in the world | Best players of all time | Live football on TV today
Croatia broke English hearts on the way to the World Cup final 2018 and reached the semis four years ago. Remarkably, the old guard of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic remain key figures for Zlatko Dalić’s side.
Will they haunt England once again? Or can Thomas Tuchel’s men banish their past demons and make a winning start?
Radio Times brings you our predictions for England v Croatia at World Cup 2026.
Read more World Cup 2026: Watch on TV | Matches on today | Fixtures & results | Radio coverage | Stadium guide | BBC presenters | ITV presenters | Highlights
England v Croatia predictions
Their shared history cannot be ignored but both sides have changed a lot since that 2018 semi-final. England look a more complete unit under Thomas Tuchel, while Croatia are a team going through a transition from old to new.
Dalić’s side are wily operators and will cause initial problems for the Three Lions but the cream will rise to the top by the end of the game.
Radio Times says… England 3-1 Croatia
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose ‘Accept and continue’ to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
