England vs Croatia Predictions

• England have won 11 of their 14 games under Tuchel
• Croatia have suffered defeats to Belgium and Brazil across their last three games
• The Croatians failed to make it out of their group at Euro 2024
• England have won their last four tournament openers

Three Lions face familiar foes

England begin their World Cup campaign against the side they lost to in the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament, with Thomas Tuchel tasked with taking the Three Lions all the way.

It’s not a great omen for the Croatians that their squad is largely the same from their run to the final in 2018. That side wasn’t exactly young, and their group stage exit at Euro 2024 suggests this group has had their day.

England beat Croatia in their opening game of Euro 2020 before making the final, and they’ll hope that a victory in Dallas can kick off a similar run this summer.

Tuchel’s side look dangerous

England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel has certainly drawn some deserved criticism, but you can’t argue with his pedigree. The German’s spell at Chelsea saw him guide the Blues to four cup finals in his first 18 months, including their Champions League win in 2021.

Tuchel has a clear plan for this England side, with a mobile front three set to support Harry Kane. Tuchel pushed to bring Kane to Bayern Munich when coaching the Bavarian side, and his 4-2-3-1 is set up to make the most of Kane’s talents.

For all his scoring exploits, Kane has helped Bayern’s wingers thrive during his time in Germany. New Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon could be the next player to benefit from that.

Gordon scored 10 Champions League goals for Newcastle last season, and his strike against Costa Rica in Orlando last week was a confidence boost. His experience as a makeshift striker for Newcastle this season should see him fill in up front when Kane drops deep. He could fulfil the kind of role that Raheem Sterling had at Euro 2020, so he stands out in the goalscorer betting.

England should prove too strong

Croatia made it through a kind qualifying draw, with the Czech Republic their only real threat. However, they’ve lost to Brazil and Belgium in 2026, and they look short of matching the top teams at this tournament.

Croatia were beaten 3-0 by Spain in their Euro 2024 opener, and they could only draw against Italy and Albania, who both failed to make this tournament. With little new blood, it’s hard to see an improved display from the Croatians this summer.

England’s form since Euro 2024 hasn’t been faultless, but they’ve won 11 of 14 games under Thomas Tuchel, with each of those wins coming with a clean sheet. England have won their last four tournament openers, and they’re good value to start with another win.