Dusk will be closing in across the UK when England finally step into their World Cup opener, thousands of miles away under the Texas lights. The Group L meeting with Croatia kicks off at 9pm BST on Wednesday 17 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with ITV1 and ITVX carrying the game for viewers at home. Thomas Tuchel has one major call at the heart of his team: Jude Bellingham is set to start as England's No 10, with Harry Kane leading the line and Croatia captain Luka Modric still pulling strings at 40.
How Events Unfolded
England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against familiar opponents. Croatia ended England's run in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, and this opening Group L match brings that old tournament memory back into view.
The immediate question is not whether Kane starts. The captain is set to lead England's attack after a season in which Al Jazeera reports he scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich. The bigger uncertainty has been the attacking shape behind him, especially the choice between Bellingham and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
According to the BBC, Bellingham is likely to be selected in the central attacking berth, with Declan Rice and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson expected alongside him in midfield. The Independent also reports Jordan Pickford is set to start in goal, with Reece James and Nico O'Reilly expected as full-backs.
For UK viewers asking the practical question, the answer is simple: England vs Croatia kicks off at 9pm BST, and the match is on ITV1 and ITVX.
Digging Deeper
Tuchel's selection puzzle comes from depth, not shortage. TNT Sports lists several contested areas: Gordon or Rashford on the left, Saka or Madueke on the right if Saka's fitness needs managing, and two from John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at centre-back.
The Bellingham decision carries extra weight because Rogers played a key role throughout qualifying. TNT Sports notes Rogers featured in all eight qualifying games, while the BBC says Bellingham looked sharp against Costa Rica and will be hard to leave out after influencing England's attacking play.
There is also the Saka question. The Independent reports the Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles issue and may not yet be ready for 90 minutes. That makes Noni Madueke more than a backup; he could become important if England need pace and direct running from the bench.
- No 10
- The central attacking midfield role behind the striker, often used to link midfield with the forward line.
- Group L
- England's World Cup group, featuring England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
- Round of 32
- The first knockout stage in the expanded 48-team World Cup format.
What People Are Saying
Kane has framed this tournament as a real chance for England, not just another campaign built on hope. His message was about starting strongly and playing with freedom.
For sure, it’s one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has put the focus straight back on Kane's threat. His warning matters because Croatia have repeatedly built tournament runs around discipline, midfield control and punishing small mistakes.
They have the best striker in the world, they have Kane, and Kane can do a hell of a lot
Dalic also underlined Modric's influence before what Al Jazeera describes as his 199th appearance for Croatia. Even at 40, Modric remains the team's organiser and emotional reference point.
He is my right hand on the pitch.
Putting It in Perspective
This is not just a glamour opener. In the new World Cup format, group position matters because winners can receive a more favourable path in the round of 32. The Independent notes that topping the group could pair England with a third-placed finisher, which would be a meaningful advantage if Tuchel's side want to go deep.
Opta's supercomputer, cited by Al Jazeera, gives England a 55.9 percent chance of beating Croatia, compared with 20.8 percent for Croatia and 23.3 percent for a draw. Those numbers reflect England's status as favourites, but the recent history between these sides explains why the opener still feels tense.
Across 11 previous meetings, England have six wins, Croatia three, and two games have ended level. Their recent matches have often been tight, including England's 1-0 Euro 2020 win and Croatia's 2-1 extra-time victory in Moscow in 2018.
Looking Ahead
After Croatia, England face Ghana on 23 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, then Panama on 27 June at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Both fixtures are part of a Group L campaign where a clean start would reduce pressure before the knockout stage.
The confirmed next step is Tuchel naming the side in Dallas. The likely shape is a 4-2-3-1, with Pickford in goal, Kane up front, and Bellingham expected to be given the creative job behind him. The remaining intrigue sits on the wings and at centre-back.
FAQ
What time is England vs Croatia today in the UK?
England vs Croatia kicks off at 9pm BST on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
What channel is England vs Croatia on?
The match will be shown in the UK on ITV1, with streaming available on ITVX.
Where is England vs Croatia being played?
The Group L match is being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, also referred to as Dallas Stadium.
Is Jude Bellingham starting for England?
The BBC reports that Bellingham is set to start in England's No 10 role, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson expected in midfield.
Who are England playing after Croatia?
England face Ghana on 23 June and Panama on 27 June in their remaining Group L fixtures.