Published Jun 10, 5:50am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 10, 5:50am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 10, 5:50am ET
One of the pre-tournament favorites kick off their World Cup campaign in Group L on June 17, as England and Croatia collide.
The opening match in the group is a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, won 2-1 by Croatia.
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| England | -136 |
| DRAW | +286 |
| Croatia | +400 |
There will be huge pressure on Thomas Tuchel this summer, as the German bids to deliver on his promise of putting a second star on the England shirt. The Three Lions were excellent throughout qualification, winning all eight of their fixtures without conceding.
However, underwhelming showings have followed in international friendlies this year, with their only win in three coming against New Zealand. However, the Three Lions will have one of the world’s best strikers at the top of the field, and Harry Kane’s confidence will be high after scoring over 60 goals for Bayern Munich in 2025-26.
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Croatia has been a specialist at recent editions of the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals in each of the last two editions. Much of the same squad will make up their traveling party this summer, with aging stars such as Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic all forming integral parts.
Croatia earned qualification after winning seven of their eight fixtures, scoring an impressive 26 goals in the process. However, results this year have been mixed, losing back-to-back games against Brazil and Belgium, before beating Slovenia 2-1 on home turf in early June.
England and Croatia are expected to finish in the top two positions in Group L, and both sides will be aiming to avoid defeat on matchday one. Therefore, a low-scoring draw could be a result that appeases both managers in Texas.
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Pick
The Draw (+286)
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