England vs Croatia: Kane vs Modric Showdown

England launches its 2026 World Cup title bid against Croatia on Wednesday, a team they have a strong historical advantage over, though Croatia has recently excelled in tournaments. England, seeking their first world title since 1966, faces a tough opening match.

Captain Harry Kane expressed confidence, calling this tournament "one of the best opportunities" for England to triumph. He urged his team to play freely and capitalize on their capabilities. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged high expectations for the 48-team tournament.

Croatia, led by veteran Luka Modric, poses a significant threat. Coach Zlatko Dalic highlighted Kane as a "goal-machine" but emphasized his team's readiness to attack. Modric, potentially in his final World Cup, remains the crucial playmaker and captain for Croatia.

The Opta supercomputer gives England a 55.9% chance of winning, with Croatia at 20.8%. The group also includes Ghana and Panama. This new 32-team round of 32 format marks a significant change in the tournament structure.

England's recent form shows three wins in their last five games, including pre-tournament friendlies. Croatia also has three wins but has suffered more recent defeats. Historically, England has won six of their 12 encounters, though Croatia won their last World Cup meeting in 2018.