England are looking to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a bang as they face Croatia. Here is everything you need to know about the match, including what time and TV channel it is on, who is presenting the coverage, and which pundits will be involved.
World Cup Fever
World Cup fever is in full swing, with the past week seeing football fans taking on long nights as the action takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite not every team playing yet, there have already been many huge moments. Scotland recorded their first ever World Cup win against Haiti, the United States ran riot against Paraguay, and Cape Verde managed to secure a draw against a stellar Spanish team. Additionally, the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Sir David Beckham have been spotted in the crowd.
England's Quest for Glory
Thomas Tuchel has been tasked with guiding the Three Lions to their first World Cup win since 1966. For 60 years, the nation has suffered countless emotional defeats at major tournaments. This is the first World Cup since 2014 where Gareth Southgate will not be giving instructions from the dugout. Southgate famously led England to two European Championship finals and to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, where Croatia knocked them out.
The vibe heading into the tournament among fans is mixed, with some not happy with the likes of Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the 26-man squad. Additionally, German coach Tuchel's style of play has been criticised for lacking the attacking flair of some other major national teams. In spite of this, England head to America as one of the favourites to lift the iconic golden trophy. To do so, captain and all-time England goalscorer Harry Kane will need to bang in the goals.
With the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi all delivering for their countries, England are seeking revenge against Croatia. Maybe this will be the first step in finally bringing the World Cup home.
What Channel is England vs Croatia On?
Coverage of England vs Croatia begins at 8pm on ITV1 on Wednesday evening, June 17. It will be available to stream on ITVX, with highlights to be posted after the match on YouTube on the station’s official channel. ITV and the BBC are dividing England’s games between them. The BBC will show England's second group game against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, before ITV airs what could be a crucial game against Panama on Saturday, June 27.
What Time is England vs Croatia On?
The match kicks off at 9pm and is being held at Dallas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas. It is important to note that all games are ending slightly later than normal due to enforced hydration breaks during the match.
Who is Presenting and Who are the Pundits?
Yet to be officially confirmed by ITV, it is expected that Mark Pougatch will be leading the coverage, having already taken on the opening game of the tournament. If not Mark, either Laura Woods or Semra Hunter will be on presenting duties. If ITV follows their normal big match routine, former England internationals Ian Wright and Gary Neville will be joined by their Overlap colleague and Manchester United legend Roy Keane. ITV’s coverage of England games also tends to feature Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon on commentary.
