A Rivalry Renewed on the World Stage
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener looms, England and Croatia are set to write the latest chapter in a compelling international rivalry. Thomas Tuchel, now firmly in charge of the Three Lions, faces the challenge of maintaining England’ s recent superiority over the Vatreni – a dominance that has grown since the devastating 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat.
Quick Facts
Total Competitive Meetings: 7
England Wins: 5
Croatia Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Goals (England): 18
Goals (Croatia): 8
Last Meeting: England 1-0 Croatia (Euro 2020, June 2021)
A History of English Dominance
Look beyond the emotion of 2018 and England’ s record against Croatia is commanding. The first competitive meeting came at Euro 2004, where a Wayne Rooney-inspired side ran out 4-2 winners. Then, in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Fabio Capello’ s England delivered two of their most emphatic away and home performances: a stunning 4-1 win in Zagreb and a 5-1 Wembley rout. Harry Kane was still a schoolboy, but those results cemented a psychological edge.
The 2018 Heartbreak
All that history, however, was overshadowed in Moscow. Luka Modric orchestrated a famous 2-1 extra-time victory in the World Cup semi-final, sending Croatia to their first final and leaving England heartbroken.
“That defeat stung for years,” a former England coach reflected. “It became the benchmark for revenge.”It remains Croatia’ s only competitive victory in the fixture.
Southgate’s Revenge and Tuchel’s Inheritance
Gareth Southgate, who endured that 2018 pain as manager, slowly turned the tables. A Nations League draw in Rijeka (0-0) was followed by a 2-1 Wembley win, and then the sweetest moment: a 1-0 victory at Euro 2020, courtesy of Raheem Sterling’ s strike, in the group stage. By the time Tuchel arrived, England were unbeaten in three straight meetings (W2 D1) and had not conceded a goal to Croatia in over 180 minutes of open play.
Tuchel’s Task: Maintain the Momentum
Now Tuchel, with a squad blending youth and experience, aims to protect that unbeaten streak. A win in the 2026 group stage would not only boost knockout round hopes but also extend a period of English control that stretches back to that Wembley dismantling in 2009. With Modric still influential for Croatia and Kane leading the English line, the tactical chess match will be fascinating, but history – recent and distant – leans heavily towards the Three Lions.
Key Takeaways
- England have dominated the competitive head-to-head, winning five of seven meetings.
- Croatia’ s only competitive win came in the 2018 World Cup semi-final – a 2-1 extra-time victory.
- Since that defeat, the Three Lions are unbeaten in three matches against Croatia (W2 D1).
- Thomas Tuchel will look to maintain England’ s recent superiority in the 2026 World Cup group stage.
- Harry Kane and Luka Modric are likely to feature prominently in the latest chapter of this rivalry.
Source: FourFourTwo