Sports
England – Croatia live: Follow the 2018 World Cup semi-final rematch
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, with Thomas Tuchel’s side seeking to shake off selection controversy and make an impact in Group L. Follow our liveblog to see how it unfolds.
Expected lineups
England : Pickford – James (ou Spence), Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson – Saka (ou Madueke), Bellingham, Gordon (ou Rashford), Kane.
Croatia : Livakovic – Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol – Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic – Pasalic, Kramaric – Budimir.
What a saveee
Harry Kane strikes low to the right but Dominik Livaković reads it perfectly and makes the save. A huge let-off for Croatia.
PENALTY!
Noni Madueke darts past Luka Modric in the box and the 40-year-old veteran brings him down. A surprising error from the Croatian legend as England earn a crucial early chance from the spot
First chance for Croatia
Perisic finds Baturina at the far post but his finish sails over Pickford’s goal.
Off we go!
Croatia’s anthem
Lijepa naša domovino rings in Arlington
God save the King
England’s national anthem fills the stadium.
Croatia’s starting XI
England’s official lineup
Three Lions ready for business
Texas vibes!
Hiya!! 🤠
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Group L opener between England and Croatia,
A rematch of the 2018 semi-final, this clash from Arlington, Texas promises to set the tone for both nations’ tournament campaigns. Kick-off is coming shortly!
Always well-placed without ever claiming a second title in its history, modern England launches its World Cup 2026 against Croatia. Vice-champions of Europe begin with the toughest side of Group L, a clash against the team of 40-year-old veteran in Arlington, Texas, before facing the less-favoured Ghana and Panama.
Thomas Tuchel’s selection choices have already sparked controversy ahead of the tournament, with debate over team composition and squad depth continuing to dominate headlines, but England arrive as one of the tournament’s genuine contenders, boasting a golden generation of attacking talent.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to punch above their weight on the world stage, defying expectations for a nation of their size with a remarkable run to the 2018 World Cup final.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters and AP)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login