Among the most anticipated matches of the first day of Group L of the 2026 World Cup is the one between England and Croatia. At the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the English national team led by Thomas Tuchel makes its debut in the competition against Zlatko Dalić’s Croatia, in a match that could already set the race for first place in the group, completed by Ghana and Panama.
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England-Croatia: when to play and where to watch it
The match is scheduled for today, Wednesday 17 June, with kick-off at 10pm Italian time. The meeting will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV on Rai 1 and will also be available on DAZN.
For those who prefer to follow the match online, the match will be visible in free streaming on RaiPlay and through the DAZN app on compatible smartphones, tablets, PCs and smart TVs.
The latest on the lineups
Thomas Tuchel should rely on the usual 4-2-3-1, with Harry Kane as the attacking reference point and Jude Bellingham behind him. Bukayo Saka is not yet in his best condition and should start from the bench, with Madueke favored for a starting shirt.
Croatia responds with Zlatko Dalić’s 3-4-2-1. In midfield there is room for the experience of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, while in attack Musa seems to have the advantage for the center forward role.
Probable lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Coach: Tuchel.
Croatia (3-4-2-1): Livaković; Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Stanišić, Modrić, Kovačić, Perišić; P. Sučić, Baturina; Muse. Coach: Dalić.
A challenge that is already worth a lot
Although it is only the first day, England-Croatia already has the weight of a direct clash between the two favorites in the group. A success would allow one of the two national teams to immediately take command of the table and put pressure on Ghana and Panama.
On the pitch there will be some of the most anticipated protagonists of the tournament: from Harry Kane to Jude Bellingham for the English, up to Luka Modrić and Joško Gvardiol for Croatia. Ingredients that make this challenge one of the most interesting events of the world evening.
