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Thomas Tuchel’s England side will open their World Cup campaign against a Croatian team known for its proud record in the competition, setting up an intense first test for the Three Lions.

Jordan Pickford begins his third World Cup as England’s undisputed number one. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has consistently delivered for the national side, having featured in a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals. This summer, he has the opportunity to surpass Peter Shilton’s long-standing record of 17 World Cup appearances for England.

Tuchel will be pleased to have Reece James fully fit and available. The Chelsea captain is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football, combining strength, pace, and technical brilliance, and is expected to reclaim his place as England’s first-choice full-back.

John Stones may have had limited playing time for Manchester City in the Premier League last season, but his experience in high-pressure matches makes him a vital part of England’s defensive setup. At 32, his calmness and leadership at the back will be key as the Three Lions aim for another deep run in the tournament.

On the opposite side, Stones’s club teammate Josko Gvardiol will marshal the Croatian defence. At only 24 years old, Gvardiol is preparing for his third major international tournament. Alongside Luka Vuskovic, he forms one of the most promising defensive partnerships on the continent.

Nico O’Reilly’s breakout campaign with Manchester City earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. Although Pep Guardiola has noted that left-back isn’t O’Reilly’s natural position, his versatility and technical excellence ensure he will feature prominently for England in that role this summer.

Elliot Anderson’s name continues to be linked with a record-breaking British transfer this summer, yet leaving out Luka Modric from any Croatia-focused discussion would be unthinkable. At 40, the Milan midfielder remains a master of tempo and control, having repeatedly frustrated England with his composure and precision in previous encounters.

Declan Rice has been appointed as England’s vice-captain for this World Cup, reflecting his growing influence within the squad. The Arsenal midfielder was instrumental in his club’s Premier League title win, showcasing his relentless energy and leadership. With that success achieved, his next mission will be to help bring an end to England’s long wait for a major international trophy.

The ongoing question remains—does Jude Bellingham start? The Real Madrid star is expected to play a central role this summer, with his drive, belief, and creativity giving England a crucial edge in midfield despite fierce competition for places.

Bukayo Saka’s season at Arsenal was a tale of contrasts. While he helped deliver a long-awaited Premier League title, his personal statistics dipped slightly as he struggled with fitness issues. Nevertheless, Saka has consistently proven to be a dependable performer for England on the biggest stages.

Following his high-profile £69 million transfer to Barcelona, Anthony Gordon enters the tournament with a point to prove. The winger is likely to start ahead of Marcus Rashford in the opening fixture and will be eager to cement his place in the lineup. With 10 goals in the Champions League last season, Gordon has already demonstrated he can perform under pressure at the top level.

Harry Kane has described this as the best season of his career—and the numbers back him up. The Bayern Munich striker has scored an extraordinary 61 goals in 51 matches, leading his club to a domestic double. Now, the question is whether he can add the World Cup to his achievements and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or.