England vs Croatia World Cup 2026: Three Lions Seek Revenge for 2018 Semi-Final Heartbreak
Eight years ago, Croatia broke English hearts with a 2-1 extra-time victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Moscow. Today at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (8:00 PM UTC / 4:00 PM ET), the two nations meet again at a World Cup — and England arrive as strong favourites, carrying the weight of history and the hunger to finally silence what became one of football's most painful national memories.
The 2018 Ghost That Still Haunts England
England's 2018 World Cup campaign was a moment of genuine hope. Under Gareth Southgate, they reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, beating Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 and crushing Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-final. Wembley rocked with "It's Coming Home" for three extraordinary weeks.
Then came Russia. Lukas Modrić orchestrated. Mario Mandžukić scored the winner in extra time. England were eliminated 2-1, and the cycle of near-misses that defines English football continued. Southgate's side subsequently reached the Euro 2020 final (losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley) before a quarter-final exit in Qatar 2022. Euro 2024 in Germany ended in another final defeat, this time against Spain.
Now, under new head coach Thomas Tuchel — appointed after Euro 2024 — England carry a squad considered among the most technically gifted in their history, and a renewed sense of collective purpose. They are not playing for revenge. They are playing for the World Cup. But the opponent today is the same, and the narrative writes itself.
England's Strength in 2026
Tuchel inherited a squad from Southgate that was already overflowing with quality, and then added tactical clarity and defensive structure that was arguably missing in previous campaigns. England qualified for 2026 with a perfect eight wins in eight matches and eight clean sheets — a defensive record that has not been matched by a major nation in recent World Cup qualifying history.
Their attacking options are extraordinary:
- Harry Kane — 4 World Cup goals already (Russia 2018 Golden Boot winner), targeting a massive tournament in 2026. Read the full profile at England section.
- Jude Bellingham — arguably the most complete central midfielder in world football at 22, capable of goals, assists and leadership. Previously profiled on this blog.
- Bukayo Saka — Arsenal's relentless right winger, exceptional at creating and scoring in major tournaments.
- Phil Foden — creative, unpredictable, and capable of moments of individual brilliance.
- Cole Palmer — the Chelsea maestro who has brought a new dimension to England's attacking play since his international breakthrough.
The depth on the bench is also significant, with Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Ollie Watkins capable of changing matches from wide or central positions. England are not short of options.
Croatia's Challenge — The End of an Era?
Luka Modrić will turn 41 during this tournament. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remains Croatia's captain, their heartbeat and their identity. His vision, passing and mentality are still elite. But Croatia's overall squad has declined in depth since the generation that finished third in 2022. Their Euro 2024 campaign was a disaster — they were eliminated in the group stage without a single win, conceding early in multiple matches and failing to find the cohesion that marked their best period under Zlatko Dalić.
That said, Croatia remain dangerous. Modrić's presence alone can stabilise a game. Ivan Perišić, if fit, adds experience and goal threat from wide. Borna Sosa and Josip Juranović provide width defensively, and the core of their midfield — despite age — has a quality of passing that few international teams can match. A compact defensive shape and an early goal could still derail England's plans.
Croatia's challenge is simply that, in 2026, they are no longer the team capable of beating any opponent on their best day. The 2018 runs of individual brilliance — Modrić winning match after match in extra time — are unlikely to be repeated by a squad that has gone backwards in the last four years. This is their last realistic chance with this generation.
Group L Picture Today
| Team | Match Today | Venue | UTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 20:00 |
| Croatia | vs England | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 20:00 |
| Ghana | vs Panama | BMO Field, Toronto | 23:00 |
| Panama | vs Ghana | BMO Field, Toronto | 23:00 |
Three points today from England would set the platform for a potential top-of-the-group finish. Ghana (without Partey, as covered separately) vs Panama provides potential for surprise results. The dynamics of Group L could be set in stone by the time both matches end tonight.
Prediction
England are significantly stronger than in 2018 and face a Croatia side past their peak. The Three Lions' defensive organisation under Tuchel should limit Croatia's counter-attacking threat, while the sheer number of goal threats in England's attack makes it very difficult for Croatia to contain. Expect England to control the match, with goals likely from Bellingham or Kane in the first half, and a comfortable 2-0 or 2-1 victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Croatia beat England 2-1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow. Ivan Perišić equalised before half-time after Kieran Trippier's stunning free-kick opener, and Mario Mandžukić scored the winner in extra time. It was one of the most painful moments in England's modern football history.
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM UTC / 4:00 PM ET on June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Available on FOX in the USA and ITV in the UK.
England are managed by German coach Thomas Tuchel, appointed after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Previously won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea and Ligue 1 with PSG, bringing Champions League-level tactical expertise to the England camp.
Yes, Luka Modrić is in Croatia's squad and expected to start against England. He will be 41 years old during the tournament, making him one of the oldest outfield players at the 2026 World Cup. Follow Group L coverage here.