ENG

Home

1–1

Projected

CRO

Away

England carry the marginal edge of home advantage and a quicker, more direct attacking line, but Croatia's midfield retains the patience and positional intelligence to slow the game to their preferred tempo. An opening fixture often breeds caution, and both sides have the defensive structure to keep this tight. Expect a contest decided in narrow margins rather than open exchanges.

• Croatia's midfield control
• England's pace in transition
• Opening-round caution

Wed 17 Jun · 20:00 UTC