England and Croatia renew a rivalry that has produced memorable encounters in recent years, with both nations eager to begin their World Cup campaign with a positive result.
England manager has handed Noni Madueke a starting role for the Three Lions’ opening Group L clash against Croatia at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday, with the Arsenal winger preferred to fellow club teammate Bukayo Saka.
For Croatia, veteran playmaker Luka Modrić captains the side in what marks his fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
The midfield maestro earns his 199th international cap as he leads Zlatko Dalić’s team into another major tournament.
How both teams line up
England Starting XI
Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Noni Madueke, Harry Kane (captain), Anthony Gordon
Croatia Starting XI
Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Joško Gvardiol, Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković; Luka Modrić (captain), Mario Pašalić, Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić; Ivan Perišić, Petar Musa.
