England vs Croatia Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest World Cup Odds for Wednesday, June 17th
The stage is set for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup clash as England prepare to face Croatia in their opening group stage match on Wednesday, June 17th. Check out this England vs. Croatia prediction and best bet for this Group L Opener.
OC Staff - June 17, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT
3 Minute ReadEngland vs Croatia Prediction: Can Harry Kane, England Take Down Toughest Group L Opponent in World Cup Opener?
The stage is set for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup clash as England prepare to face Croatia in their opening group stage match on Wednesday, June 17th. With both nations locked at the top of the group standings before a ball is kicked in anger, this highly anticipated fixture at 4 PM ET promises to set the tone for their respective tournament campaigns.
England vs Croatia Form
The Three Lions head into the tournament on the back of a convincing 3-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica. That result capped off a solid warm-up period, with the hosts winning four, drawing one, and losing just one of their last six outings. The home side will also be buoyed by their strong historical advantage, having won their last three home matches against Croatia in all competitions. The visitors, meanwhile, also warmed up in winning fashion, securing a 2-1 victory against Slovenia in their last match. Croatia's recent form mirrors their opponents with four victories from their last six matches, though they did suffer a 2-0 defeat to Belgium and a 3-1 loss to Brazil during their preparations.
England vs Croatia Head to Head
The last meeting between these two proud footballing nations ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for England during the European Championship in 2021. Over their last six encounters, the Three Lions have held the upper hand, winning four, drawing one, and losing just once—though that solitary defeat was a painful extra-time loss in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. This dominant streak is highlighted by the fact that England have won their last three home matches against Croatia in all competitions.
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England vs. Croatia Odds
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England vs. Croatia Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock
England vs Croatia Probable Lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Reilly, Guéhi, Stones, James; Anderson, Rice; Gordon, Bellingham, Saka; Kane
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Gvardiol, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Stanisic; Modric, Kovacic; Perisic, Kramaric, Baturina; Budimir
England vs Croatia Team News
England face selection dilemmas in key areas. Anthony Gordon's impressive display against Costa Rica could see him start ahead of Marcus Rashford on the left wing, while Jude Bellingham is expected to start in the advanced midfield role behind Harry Kane. In defence, John Stones is a guaranteed starter, but Guehi and Ezri Konsa are competing to partner him. Croatia will rely heavily on experience. Mateo Kovacic and the evergreen 40-year-old Luka Modric will orchestrate the midfield. Ivan Perisic is set to start on the left flank, while teenage defender Luka Vuskovic is poised to make his tournament debut in central defence.
England vs Croatia Match Facts
- England have won their last 3 home matches against Croatia in all competitions.
Prediction: England 2-0 Croatia
England will be desperate to start their fifth consecutive major tournament with a victory, a habit established under former boss Gareth Southgate. The Three Lions possess immense offensive strength with the likes of Bellingham and Kane, and they should have too much quality for an aging Croatian side. While Croatia remain dangerous under Zlatko Dalic, having dropped only two points in qualifying, England's defensive structure should help them secure a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Best Bet: England to Win to Nil (+165) Check out the best odds on bet365 Sportsbook
Given England's solid defensive record in warm-ups and their recent head-to-head dominance, backing the hosts to win without conceding offers excellent value. Croatia struggled against elite opposition recently, failing to score against Belgium, making a clean sheet victory for the Three Lions a highly attractive proposition.
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