England vs Croatia lineups are still projected because the official team sheets arrive about one hour before kickoff. Match 22 of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. England look close to a 4-2-3-1 built around Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and either Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke, while Croatia should stay with a control-based shape led by Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Ante Budimir.
England Predicted Lineup
England are projected to use a 4-2-3-1 with Kane leading the line and Bellingham linking play behind him. The strongest pre-match reads still point to Jordan Pickford in goal, Reece James and Nico O'Reilly as the full-backs, and Declan Rice partnering Elliot Anderson in midfield while Tuchel decides whether Saka is ready to start or should be used later from the bench.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Jordan Pickford |
| RB | Reece James |
| CB | John Stones |
| CB | Marc Guehi |
| LB | Nico O'Reilly |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| CM | Elliot Anderson |
| RW | Bukayo Saka |
| AM | Jude Bellingham |
| LW | Anthony Gordon |
| ST | Harry Kane |
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
The projected England squad keeps the same balance Tuchel has leaned toward through the warm-up run, with Rice screening the center and Bellingham attacking the next line. Saka remains the big late call because he has been managing Achilles pain, but he also said he feels ready to go before the opener.
Madueke is the direct alternative if Tuchel protects Saka from the start. That keeps England dangerous on the right side either way, while Kane and Gordon should still anchor the main attacking structure.
Croatia Predicted Lineup
Croatia look closest to a 4-2-3-1 with Budimir leading the front line and Kramaric working behind him. Zlatko Dalic's likely setup keeps Modric and Kovacic in central midfield, while Mario Pasalic and Ivan Perisic support the attack from wider positions and Gvardiol gives the back line its cleanest left-sided outlet.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Dominik Livakovic |
| RB | Josip Stanisic |
| CB | Josip Sutalo |
| CB | Duje Caleta-Car |
| LB | Josko Gvardiol |
| CM | Luka Modric |
| CM | Mateo Kovacic |
| RW | Mario Pasalic |
| AM | Andrej Kramaric |
| LW | Ivan Perisic |
| ST | Ante Budimir |
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
The projected Croatia squad still leans on its experienced spine even after a mixed warm-up stretch. Modric and Kovacic remain the two names that decide whether Croatia can slow the game to its preferred rhythm, while Perisic and Kramaric must carry the final-third creativity around Budimir.
Caleta-Car, Pongracic, and Luka Vuskovic all remain part of the center-back conversation, so Dalic still has one defensive choice that could move late. The clearest expectation is that Gvardiol starts if his recovery work stays on track.
Team News and Injury Report
England's main fitness question sits with Saka, who admitted he is still gambling on an Achilles issue but also said he feels ready for the World Cup opener. Tuchel has been more careful in public, so the final decision may come late even if Saka trains again before matchday.
Croatia's biggest concerns have centered on Gvardiol and Kovacic after both carried recent fitness attention into the tournament build-up. The latest reporting around Dalic's camp has been more positive, and both senior Manchester City players are still expected to be available if there is no late setback.
| Player | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | England | Late fitness call | Managing Achilles pain before the opener |
| Noni Madueke | England | Available | Direct right-wing alternative if Saka is protected |
| John Stones | England | Available | Expected to continue as the senior defensive leader |
| Josko Gvardiol | Croatia | Available | Recent injury management but expected to be ready |
| Mateo Kovacic | Croatia | Available | Returned from recent fitness concern in time for opener |
| Luka Vuskovic | Croatia | Available | Pushing for minutes in the center-back rotation |
England vs Croatia — Key Tactical Battle
The main tactical fight sits between England's pace around the front four and Croatia's midfield control. England want Rice and Anderson finding Bellingham quickly before Saka or Gordon can isolate the full-backs, while Croatia want Modric and Kovacic slowing the game and forcing longer England possessions in front of the block.
The second pressure point is wide defensive coverage. England's full-backs will push high if the game settles in Croatia's half, but that can also leave space for Perisic and Kramaric to attack transitions. Croatia must survive the first wave without letting Kane receive too cleanly between the center-backs and midfield.
| Role | England | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| Primary build-up | Rice and Anderson feeding Bellingham before the ball reaches Saka, Gordon, and Kane | Modric and Kovacic slowing the center before Kramaric and Perisic move into space |
| Main attacking threat | Kane linking play with Bellingham and the right-side runner attacking the box | Perisic and Kramaric creating around Budimir inside the final third |
| Defensive pressure point | Protecting space behind advanced full-backs | Stopping Bellingham from receiving on the half-turn too often |
The projected shapes point toward a match where England want faster vertical attacks and Croatia want longer controlled spells through the middle. The first team to win the central tempo should shape the whole night.
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 4:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM UTC |
| Venue | Dallas Stadium, Arlington |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Group | Group L |
| Referee | Clement Turpin (France) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the predicted England lineup against Croatia?
England are projected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Jordan Pickford in goal and Harry Kane leading the line. Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and either Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke are expected to support the attack.
Is Bukayo Saka starting for England against Croatia?
Saka remains a late fitness call because he is still managing Achilles pain, but he has said he feels ready to go. If Tuchel protects him, Noni Madueke is the clearest replacement on the right side.
When does England vs Croatia start?
England vs Croatia starts at 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The match will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Will Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic start for Croatia?
The latest pre-match reporting still points toward both players being available after recent fitness management. Croatia's final XI will be confirmed close to kickoff, but both remain strong candidates to start.
If you want the confirmed team sheets, check again close to kickoff because the final XI can still change late.
The projected lineups already point to England chasing quicker vertical attacks, while Croatia try to slow the opener and control the middle through Modric and Kovacic.
Read Also: England vs Croatia — FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Preview and Prediction
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