England will finally kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Group L at Dallas Stadium. Here is everything you need to know about the match.
How to watch England vs Croatia at the World Cup
UK kick-off time and TV channel: England's World Cup opener against Croatia is set for Wednesday, June 17, with a 9pm UK time kick-off. Supporters can watch the Group L clash live on ITV1.
UK live stream: Those who would rather follow the game online can stream it live on ITVX. Alternatively, fans can keep up with the action via live matchday blogs and exclusive behind-the-scenes content on the official England Football app.
US start time and TV channel: American viewers can catch the English-language broadcast live on FOX at 4pm Eastern Time (3pm CT). Those who prefer Spanish-language coverage can tune in to the match on Telemundo, which will broadcast it nationally.
US live stream: Viewers in the US can stream the English-language broadcast through the FOX One app or via live TV subscription services such as Fubo and YouTube TV. Spanish-language streaming will be available both live and on demand through NBCUniversal's Peacock platform.
Selection headaches
England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing some significant selection dilemmas in his attacking midfield and wide areas ahead of the tournament opener. Marcus Rashford is locked in competition with Anthony Gordon for the left wing, while Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham are battling it out for the No. 10 role.
England team news
In defence, Tuchel faces a decision over which two of John Stones, Ezri Konsa, or Marc Guehi to deploy at centre-back. Captain Harry Kane is in full fitness and will lead the attacking line, looking to make a strong impression at the start of his third consecutive World Cup campaign.
Croatia team news
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalić is reportedly weighing up a surprise call by handing a starting berth to FC Dallas forward Petar Musa ahead of experienced campaigner Andrej Kramarić. Meanwhile, 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić is poised to pull the strings in midfield, in what will be his historic fifth appearance at a World Cup tournament.
World Cup history
The most notable chapter in the tournament history between these two sides came with Croatia's dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. The Three Lions later exacted a degree of revenge at Euro 2020, when a Raheem Sterling strike sealed a 1-0 win in the group stage at Wembley.
Head-to-head record
Across 11 previous encounters, England have come out on top six times against Croatia's three wins, with two draws also on the record. This eagerly anticipated Group L showdown at Dallas Stadium will be the fourth time the pair have met at a major tournament.
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