England vs Croatia – Combined XI ahead of World Cup clash | OneFootball

England take on Croatia in the opening fixture of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight.

Thomas Tuchel’s team meet a Croatian side with a proud history in this competition, in what represents a tough opening test for the Three Lions.

Ahead of the clash in Texas, we’ve picked our England and Croatia Combined XI.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – England

Jordan Pickford enters his third World Cup as England’s number one goalkeeper. The 32-year-old has rarely let England down in past tournaments, reaching a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals. He could surpass Peter Shilton’s national record of 17 World Cup games for England this summer.

Right-back: Reece James – England

Thomas Tuchel will be delighted to have a fit Reece James available this summer, with the Chelsea captain one of the best right-backs in world football. James’s mix of athleticism and technical quality has seen him emerge as England’s first-choice full-back.

Centre-back: John Stones – England

John Stones barely kicked a ball for Manchester City in the Premier League last season, but looks set to be named in the side this evening. The 32-year-old’s big-game experience is invaluable to England as the Three Lions look to go deep into the tournament.

Centre-back: Josko Gvardiol – Croatia

A club teammate of Stones’s last season, Josko Gvardiol, will anchor the Croatian defence. At just 24, the bullish defender is set for his third major tournament with the national team and will partner Luka Vuskovic in one of the most exciting pairings in North America.

Left-back: Nico O’Reilly – England

A breakout season for Nico O’Reilly earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has insisted left-back is not his natural position, but the 21-year-old’s super all-round talent has locked him in for that role this summer.

Midfield: Luka Modric – Croatia

Elliot Anderson is being bandied about for a British transfer record move this summer, but it would be remiss for us to omit Modric.

Even at 40, the Milan midfielder is a master metronome and has tormented England with his ability to keep possession in past meetings.

Midfield: Declan Rice – England

Thomas Tuchel has named Declan Rice as vice-captain for the tournament, a nod to the midfielder’s importance to England.

A box-to-box powerhouse, Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s title success in the Premier League. After getting that monkey off his back, next on his list will be ending England’s drought.

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – England

Does Jude Bellingham start? It’s a question that continues to be asked.

The Real Madrid midfielder should be a central figure this summer, even amid strong competition for a place. He has the belief to drive England forward.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – England

Bukayo Saka’s season with Arsenal was something of a juxtaposition. A drought-breaking Premier League title was the culmination of seasons of progress, but Saka’s individual output dipped as he managed injuries.

Saka, however, has so often been a reliable performer for England on the big stage.

Left-wing: Anthony Gordon – England

Fresh from a £69m move to Barcelona, Anthony Gordon will be out to prove that he belongs at the top level this summer.

Gordon looks set to edge out Marcus Rashford for tonight’s opening fixture and will be determined to hold onto his place in the team. After scoring 10 goals in the Champions League last season, he’s shown he can thrive.

Forward: Harry Kane – England

Harry Kane has said this has been his best-ever season, and it’s hard to argue. A staggering 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern, leading the Bundesliga side to a domestic double.

Can he add the World Cup and cement his standing as Ballon d’Or favourite?

Read – England vs Croatia – Head to head record and past meetings

See more – England vs Croatia – Match preview and team news

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