Sabasports Match Preview
World Cup: England vs Croatia
Kickoff Time: 2026-6-18 4:00 (HKT)
At this World Cup, the total market value of the entire England squad stands at an impressive 1.32 billion euros. Under Thomas Tuchel’s management, the side boasts three players valued at over 100 million euros, alongside ten top-tier stars worth more than 50 million euros each. Tuchel favours a counter-attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with stringent defensive standards. Whether applying intermittent high pressing up front or dropping deep to shield the penalty area, England display collective commitment out of possession — a hallmark trait of genuine title contenders. With reliable cornerstone players such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice leading the line, Tuchel’s tactical framework can be executed seamlessly. Once play shifts to midfield build-up and sustained possession attacks, every passing sequence of England’s game revolves entirely around Kane. England’s central midfield pairing lacks close-control dribbling ability, creating an inherent structural flaw in ball distribution. Tuchel’s faith in Morgan Rogers stems from his desire to field an out-and-out number ten to alleviate Kane’s workload. This system features an exceptionally solid spine comprising Jordan Pickford, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers and Harry Kane. The right-flank partnership of Reece James and Bukayo Saka is all but confirmed, leaving the left wing as the primary variable. Both Nico O’Reilly and Tino Livramento are viable options at left-back. Tuchel intends to deploy the Manchester City full-back against weaker opponents, while turning to the Newcastle United defender for high-stakes clashes against elite rivals.
Croatia have delivered consistent results across recent major tournaments, forging a cohesive tactical framework anchored by seasoned veterans including Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić and Mateo Kovačić. Four years on, however, the same core starters who featured in the last tournament remain central to the current squad. Only emerging talents such as Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina and Luka Vušković have stood out, leaving the Checkered Flag facing a generational gap between ageing stalwarts and promising youth. Tactically, Luka Modrić operates as Croatia’s pivotal transition hub linking defence and attack. Head coach Zlatko Dalić persists with a three-centre-back setup, utilising two wing-backs paired with a three-man midfield unit to create openings for the front two attackers — this forms the team’s core game plan. Operating from central midfield, Modrić surges back and forth across the pitch, crafting chances for the forwards and offering defensive stability to the backline; he shoulders nearly all creative responsibilities including progressive passing, transitional play and supplying attacking outlets. Notably, Croatia’s defensive line was once set to be spearheaded by young talent, with Joško Gvardiol’s development proving transformative for the side. Unfortunately, Gvardiol suffered a serious long-term injury this season, which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign and nearly cost him a World Cup spot. Fortunately, he recovered in time to make the tournament squad ahead of kick-off. While his match sharpness remains uncertain, his late inclusion counts as excellent news for Croatia.
In terms of overall squad strength and depth, England hold a clear edge over Croatia. Furthermore, Croatia’s ageing core represents a critical hidden vulnerability, as the veterans will face gruelling endurance tests over the tournament. Additionally, Croatia’s centre-backs are generally tall yet cumbersome, with notably slow recovery pace when tracking back. This weakness risks being ruthlessly exposed against England’s rapid transitional attacking play. All factors considered, England — with far greater balance across attack and defence — are tipped to claim an opening victory in the group stage.
England ‘s Last 5 Games: WWLDW
26-06-11 England 3-0 Costa Rica
26-06-07 England 1-0 New Zealand
26-04-01 England 0-1 Japan
26-03-28 England 1-1 Uruguay
25-11-17 Albania 0-2 England
Croatia ‘s Last 5 Games: WLLWW
26-06-08 Croatia 2-1 Slovenia
26-06-03 Croatia 0-2 Belgium
26-04-01 Brazil 3-1 Croatia
26-03-27 Colombia 1-2 Croatia
25-11-18 Montenegro 2-3 Croatia
Head-To-Head Record
21-06-13 England 1-0 Croatia
18-11-18 England 2-1 Croatia
18-10-13 Croatia 0-0 England
18-07-12 Croatia 1-1 England (1-0 after extra time)
09-09-10 England 5-1 Croatia
Prediction: England to win