England Faces Familiar Foe in World Cup Opener
England’s journey in the upcoming World Cup kicks off with a highly anticipated clash against Croatia, a nation that has previously dashed English aspirations. The Three Lions are aiming to end a 60-year wait for major international silverware.
A Look Back at Recent Encounters
The last time England faced Croatia in a significant tournament match was during the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, a game that saw Croatia emerge victorious. Since that pivotal encounter, the two teams have met three additional times: twice in the Nations League and once in the opening fixture of Euro 2020. England secured a 1-0 win in that Euro 2020 match, with Raheem Sterling scoring the decisive goal. England eventually reached the final of that tournament, ultimately falling short in a penalty shootout.
Squad Evolution Since 2021
The current England squad preparing for this tournament bears a significant resemblance to the team that played on June 13, 2021. Several key players remain, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, defender John Stones, midfielder Declan Rice, and captain Harry Kane. However, due to recent squad selections and a number of players retiring from international duty, many from that past lineup will not be part of the current contingent.
Notable Absences and Departures
The full-back pairing of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, who were instrumental in past campaigns, have both since retired from England duty. Other players like Tyrone Mings and Mason Mount have also seen their places in the squad change over the last five years. Phil Foden, who started on the right wing in the Euro 2020 fixture, is notably absent from this summer’s squad.
Kalvin Phillips, once considered a surprise standout performer, has experienced a dramatic fall from favour. His current club situation sees him unable to secure a regular starting role at Manchester City, and he spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United.
The Fate of Matchwinner Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling, the matchwinner from the Euro 2020 encounter, is not only missing from the current England squad but is also facing an uncertain club future. The 31-year-old winger, who scored his first major international tournament goal in that game, is now facing the prospect of becoming a free agent. He mutually terminated his contract with Chelsea in January, ending a lucrative deal, and his contract with current club Feyenoord expired at the season’s close.
Other Squad Changes
Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all featured as substitutes in that past match. Of those three, only Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not included in the current squad.
Croatia’s Enduring Talent
Croatia, meanwhile, still boasts several players who featured in that memorable semi-final, including Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic, and the influential Luka Modric. This suggests that the upcoming fixture will carry a familiar intensity, and England will be hoping for a more favourable outcome this time around.
World Cup 2026: A New Era
This year’s World Cup promises to be unique, with a record 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy. Manager Thomas Tuchel is under pressure to deliver a World Cup title for England, a feat that has eluded the nation for six decades. The tournament also marks a potential final World Cup appearance for global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
