Contents
By Karl Matchett
It would be ironic indeed were it to ultimately need a German to bring glory to England’s men once more, but there’s no question there’s the talent in this group to go the distance. First though, they have to get past Croatia.
Wing questions and sub impact
Several of Tuchel’s England line-up is probably locked in place, but there are definitely question marks over who starts in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka’s fitness and the different qualities that the two left wing options provide means Tuchel might have to chop and change, in-game as well as game-to-game, on the flanks. But either way the remit will be largely the same: provide service to Harry Kane and make runs beyond him yourself, to stretch the defence and offer an alternative through ball option.
However, that same dilemma over starters means Tuchel has real weapons off the bench to turn to, players who are either speedy outlets or shot merchants who will look to make things happen out of nothing. Add in perhaps Morgan Rogers as a No. 10 alternative and two in-form strikers in Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins – eight and 12 goals respectively since the start of April – and England really do have alternatives and the potential to ruffle feathers late in games, if the World Cup Of Draws threatens to show up in Dallas.
Experience counts and a double centenarian
Luka Modrić is now 40 and will still be in the lineup – for his 199th international cap, unbelievably. One more makes him a double centenarian but Croatia have three others past 100 as well, in Mateo Kovačić, Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić. All are expected to play and that know-how will have to play a big part in Croatia’s progression, as they haven’t brought through too many other match-winners over the past tournament cycle or two.
Recent form
Croatia have won seven of their 10 since the start of 2025, though of those wins only Colombia could reasonably be called a tough opponent. England have won eight of their ten in the same timeframe, but drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan in March.
Team news
England lost Tino Livramento from the squad on the eve of the tournament so full-backs are Reece James and Nico O’Reilly, with Djed Spence the only like-for-like alternative for both flanks. Otherwise, both have a full list.
Key player
If you’ve not yet watched Luka Vušković, getting the nod to start at centre-back here should give you an indication of how impressive he was last season. Top 99% for defensive work, top 99% for headers, but even top 78% for chances and 100% for goals compared to his positional peers i nthe Bundesliga.
Prediction
England to make a bit more of a bold start than some others have in the US and Harry Kane’s roving role to be rewarded with a goal: England 2-1 Croatia.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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