The countdown is finally over for England as they begin their World Cup journey with a daunting Group L clash against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium on Wednesday. Manager Thomas Tuchel, undaunted by a patchy record in friendlies against elite opponents, believes the competitive cauldron will unlock his side’s full potential.
Match: England vs Croatia, Group L
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Texas
Head coach: Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel’s Rallying Call
England breezed through qualifying but have stumbled in tests against top-20 nations under Tuchel, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan and Senegal in friendlies. Yet the German insists such results count for little now. “Because it’s not a friendly match, we will not try stuff,” Tuchel said. “We will rely on us and the occasion and the tension will bring out the best in us.”
“We should play brave and play to the strengths of the players. I feel clearly that the players want it and that they are successful in club football like this.”
Tuchel wants his team to replicate the relentless intensity of the Premier League and Champions League nights. “They compete in the strongest league, most of them. The others compete at the highest level in Europe … It creates a certain energy, and we need a connection with our fans to create something special,” he added.
Mind the Modrić Magic
Croatia may be an ageing side, but they carry the scars of England’s 2018 semi-final defeat and still boast the craft of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić in midfield. The 40-year-old Modrić and the 37-year-old Ivan Perišić—who scored in that famous victory—remain formidable. Tuchel singled out Perišić’s crossing as “one of the most dangerous in world football” and warned of their set-piece threat.
“It is a very difficult start,” Tuchel admitted. “It’s an experienced team, an experienced coach, in tournament knockout football. The centre of gravity has dropped a bit into a back three. But the core is still Modrić and Kovačić.”
Selection Puzzles
Tuchel has a few lineup decisions to finalise. Jude Bellingham is expected to start as the No. 10 over Morgan Rogers, while the fitness of winger Bukayo Saka of Arsenal (achilles) could open the door for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke on the right flank. Ezri Konsa and John Stones are likely to form the central-defensive partnership, with Marc Guéhi dropping to the bench.
Despite the selection headaches, Tuchel projected calm assurance: “They know [what’s at stake]. I don’t feel any emotional fuel is needed. If we stay focused on what we can influence, we have an even better chance to perform at our highest level.”
Key Takeaways
- England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas, with Tuchel embracing the pressure of competitive football.
- Friendly losses to Japan and Senegal are dismissed as irrelevant; the manager expects a sharper, braver performance when the stakes are high.
- Croatia’s veteran core, led by Modrić and Kovačić, remains a threat, especially from set-pieces and Perišić’s crosses.
- Bellingham is set to start as the playmaker, while Saka’s achilles problem could force a late change.
- Tuchel wants England to channel the aggressive, front-foot style of the Premier League to overwhelm their opponents.