England vs. Croatia: Injury updates before WC opener

The opening match of World Cup 2026 Group L will feature England against Croatia in Arlington on Wednesday. This rematch follows their memorable semi-final encounter from eight years ago. England aims for their first final since 1966, while Croatia seeks to replicate their 2018 runners-up finish.

Thomas Tuchel's England navigated a flawless qualification, and Croatia dropped only one point en route to North America. Both squads have injury concerns ahead of the opener. England's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are undergoing load monitoring for discomfort but are expected to be available. For Croatia, defender Duje Caleta-Car is a minor doubt after missing recent friendlies, though he is back in training and anticipated to be available. Neither nation has any suspensions for the match.