The sides famously met in the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament, when Croatia recovered from an early deficit to claim a 2-1 extra-time victory and reach the final for the first time in their history. While many of the players involved that night have moved on, the fixture remains one of the defining matches in recent World Cup history.

England arrive in North America among the favourites to lift the trophy and are preparing for their first major tournament under Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions qualified with a perfect record, winning all eight of their matches without conceding a goal, and are aiming to end a wait for a second World Cup title that stretches back to 1966.

A number of familiar faces remain at the heart of the squad. Captain Harry Kane continues to lead the attack, while Jude Bellingham arrives as one of the tournament's standout stars after another impressive season at club level.

England's preparations were not entirely smooth, however. Defeat to Japan in March raised questions about Tuchel's side, although victories over New Zealand and Costa Rica restored confidence ahead of their opening Group L fixture.

Croatia, meanwhile, continue to defy expectations on the international stage. Runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022, Zlatko Dalic's side have developed a reputation as one of world football's most resilient tournament teams.

While many members of Croatia's golden generation are now approaching the latter stages of their careers, captain Luka Modric remains the focal point of the team. The veteran midfielder is appearing at what is expected to be his fifth World Cup and will once again be tasked with dictating the tempo in midfield.

Croatia also enjoyed a strong qualification campaign, finishing top of their group after losing just once, and arrive in Dallas looking to improve on a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 campaign that ended in the group stage.

The Croatians warmed up for the tournament with a narrow victory over Slovenia after defeats to Brazil and Belgium, while England concluded their preparations with a convincing win over Costa Rica.

With Ghana and Panama also in Group L, both nations will be eager to avoid dropping points in what could prove to be one of the most competitive sections of the tournament.

England predicted lineup:

Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Croatia predicted lineup:

Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; Musa

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