Introduction
As England prepare to face Croatia in their World Cup 2026 opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, one man looms large: Luka Modric. For two decades, the Croatian midfielder has been the Three Lions’ tormentor-in-chief. From a cold night in Zagreb in 2006 to the heat of a Moscow semifinal in 2018, Modric has repeatedly derailed England’s ambitions. Now, at 40, he stands ready to script one final chapter of anguish. Can he do it again?
The date was 11 October 2006. As The Guardian recalls, Tony Blair was still in office, Arsenal had just moved to the Emirates, and Borat was about to hit cinemas. That night in a Euro 2008 qualifier, a 21-year-old Modric orchestrated a 2–0 Croatia win that foreshadowed nearly two decades of English despair.
A History of Heartbreak
Modric’s first victimhood claim on England came in that Zagreb defeat, a result that contributed to the Three Lions missing out on Euro 2008. The pain only deepened at the 2018 World Cup semifinal in Moscow. With the score at 1–1 in extra time, Modric’s angled pass unlocked England’s defence for Mario Mandžukić to fire Croatia to their first final. England’s dream of a first final since 1966 was shattered.
“He’s one of the best midfielders I’ve ever seen,” said former England manager Gareth Southgate after the Moscow loss.
In the Nations League later that year, Modric struck a late penalty to earn a 0–0 draw behind closed doors in Rijeka, preserving Croatia’s unbeaten run against England in competitive matches at that point. The pattern is clear: whenever Modric is on the pitch, England rarely get things their own way.
England’s Current State: Tuchel’s Challenge and Injury Blow
England enter this match under Thomas Tuchel, whose contract extension now includes a performance clause, according to BBC Sport. The German has been tasked with ending a 60-year trophy drought, and a group-stage exit would be unthinkable. However, Tuchel’s plans have been hit by the loss of defender Tino Livramento, who suffered a fresh injury blow on the eve of the tournament. The Newcastle United full-back’s pace and defensive cover will be missed against a veteran Croatian attack still orchestrated by Modric.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are expected to form a dynamic midfield shield, but the absence of Livramento forces a reshuffle that could leave gaps for Modric to exploit. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge: “Luka is a genius, but we have our own strengths.” Yet the pressure is immense. The performance clause in his deal means another early exit could have consequences.
Can Modric Deliver One More Miraculous Performance?
Now 40, Modric remains the heartbeat of Croatia, a team built around his unrivalled passing range and composure. At Real Madrid, he has continued to defy time, making over 500 appearances and collecting a sixth Champions League winner’s medal in 2025. In World Cup qualifying, he led Croatia to an unbeaten campaign, scoring twice and providing five assists. The question is whether he can do it against an England side desperate to break their Modric curse.
“I feel sharp and ready. Every match for Croatia is a gift,” Modric said in the build-up. “We know England’s quality, but we have our own belief.”
Croatia’s style under Zlatko Dalić still relies on Modric’s ability to slow the game down and pick passes. Yet England’s youthful energy—Bellingham’s box-to-box runs, Rice’s interceptions—could finally stifle him. The Dallas heat may also favour the younger legs, but writing off Modric has been a mistake for 20 years.
Key Takeaways
- Modric has tormented England since 2006, including the Euro 2008 qualifier and the 2018 World Cup semifinal.
- England face injury concerns with Tino Livramento ruled out, potentially leaving gaps in defence.
- Thomas Tuchel’s contract includes a performance clause, adding extra pressure to start the tournament strongly.
- At 40, Modric remains Croatia’s talisman, but England’s athletic midfield could finally neutralise him.
Quick Facts
Age: 40
Caps: 195+ for Croatia
World Cup Appearances: 5 (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Meetings vs England: 5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses in competitive fixtures (with Modric playing)
Tuchel’s Clause: Performance-related extension, details undisclosed
