England face Croatia in Dallas World Cup opener

England open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday. Bookmakers list England as favourites with 3/4 odds, Croatia at 17/4 and the draw at 29/10. The match is part of Group L. England manager Thomas Tuchel named a 26‑man squad that omitted Harry Maguire, Morgan Gibbs‑White, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. The most debated omission was Adam Wharton, who was left out in favour of Jordan Henderson. Henderson’s selection was justified by his dressing‑room influence rather than recent on‑field form. Adam Wharton has been described as one of England’s best midfielders and helped Crystal Palace win two major trophies in the last two seasons. The contrast highlights Tuchel’s preference for functionality over creativity in midfield.

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Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will start in central midfield against Croatia. Their task is to limit Luka Modric, who recently scored against Slovenia, beating Jan Oblak in a friendly. Modric, now 40, remains a key playmaker for Croatia.

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Luka Modric helped Croatia finish second and third in the previous two World Cups. Croatia previously beat England 2‑1 in the 2018 World Cup semi‑final. His experience makes another deep run a distinct possibility for Croatia.