07.06.2026 • Updated: 18.06.2026

Reading time: 1 min

World Cup

England vs Croatia Match result — 17.06.2026

John Kane Football Edge Director

England

WWLD

June 17, 2026

20:00

World Cup

4 — 2

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Croatia

WLLW

1 1.71

X 3.65

2 5.00

1 1.67

X 3.60

2 5.00

1 1.67

X 3.80

2 5.25

1 1.70

X 3.78

2 5.30

H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results

0% 3 Wins

0% 1 Draws

0% 0 Wins

Total games 4

Total Goals Avg 2.50

Both teams scored 50%

1.75 Total average 0.75

1.67 Yellow cards 3.00

0.00 Red cards 0.00

Last 4 matches

17.06.2026 World Cup

England

Croatia

4 2 2 2 2 0

2.80 0.71

8 2

0 0

13.06.2021 Euro Champi…

England

Croatia

1 0 1 0 0 0

— —

1 1

1 3

0 0

18.11.2018 UEFA Nation…

England

Croatia

2 0 2 1 0 1

— —

9 4

1 3

0 0

12.10.2018 UEFA Nation…

Croatia

England

0 0 0 0 0 0

— —

2 4

3 3

0 0

Where Can You Place Bets on England vs Croatia?

England

Team Overview

In their latest friendly, England hosted Costa Rica and secured a convincing 3-0 victory. This win adds to their recent success, having also beaten New Zealand just days earlier.

Match statistics (England vs Costa Rica):

Possession: 81% – 19%
Corners: 11 – 1
Fouls: 7 – 24
Yellow cards: 0 – 4
Shots on target: 8 – 0

Croatia

Team Overview

Croatia faced Slovenia in their most recent friendly, winning 2-1 at home. This victory comes after a tough loss to Belgium, indicating a mixed bag of results in their recent matches.

Match statistics (Croatia vs Slovenia):

Possession: 67% – 33%
Corners: 8 – 4
Fouls: 5 – 11
Shots on target: 6 – 4

England - Croatia Match Result

England triumphs over Croatia in a thrilling World Cup opener

In an exhilarating encounter, England secured a 4-2 victory against Croatia in their World Cup Group Stage opener, showcasing a blend of attacking prowess and resilience.

The match began with England taking the lead early on, as Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 12th minute. Croatia responded well, equalizing through Marko Baturina in the 36th minute, only for Kane to restore England's advantage just before halftime with a well-placed shot. The first half concluded with a dramatic goal from Croatia's Petar Musa in stoppage time, leaving the score at 2-2.

However, England came out strong in the second half, with Jude Bellingham scoring just two minutes after the restart, putting England ahead once more. The home side maintained control, registering 11 shots on goal compared to Croatia's 5, and dominating possession with 52% to 48%. England's offensive efforts culminated in a late goal from Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute, sealing a convincing win.

Throughout the match, England's tactical approach proved effective, reflected in their 22 total shots and 8 corners, while Croatia struggled to keep pace, managing only 10 shots overall. Despite a spirited performance, Croatia's inability to capitalize on their chances ultimately cost them dearly, as England demonstrated their attacking depth and tactical discipline.

Match Timeline

Goal

H. Kane • Penalty

12'

36'

Goal

M. Baturina • Assist: P. Sucic

Goal

H. Kane • Assist: D. Rice

42'

45+5'

Goal

P. Musa • Assist: I. Perisic

Goal

J. Bellingham • Assist: E. Anderson

47'

58'

Substitution

In: L. Modric for M. Kovacic

66'

Substitution

In: L. Vuskovic for M. Pasalic

66'

Substitution

In: P. Musa for I. Matanovic

Substitution

In: A. Gordon for M. Rashford

72'

Substitution

In: N. Madueke for B. Saka

72'

Substitution

In: D. Rice for M. Rogers

72'

78'

Substitution

In: M. Baturina for N. Vlasic

79'

Substitution

In: M. Pasalic for A. Kramaric

Substitution

In: J. Bellingham for D. Spence

80'

Goal

M. Rashford • Assist: B. Saka

85'

Substitution

In: J. Stones for M. Guehi

87'

Teams Form Analysis

England has shown strong form in their last ten matches, winning 7 out of 10, with a goal tally of 14 and only conceding 5. Their recent friendly against Costa Rica ended in a 3-0 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defense. Croatia, on the other hand, has had a mixed bag of results, winning 4, drawing 1, and losing 5 of their last 10 matches, with a total of 16 goals scored but also conceding 19. Their recent performance against Slovenia, where they won 2-1, indicates they can be competitive but have struggled defensively in other matches.

Statistical Analysis & Influencing Factors

In terms of statistics, England has an average of 1.4 goals per game in their last five matches, while Croatia averages 1.6 goals but has conceded 1.8. The head-to-head record favors England, with 2 wins and 1 draw in their last three encounters, averaging 1.33 goals per game. England's possession rate has been significantly higher, averaging around 81% in their last match, compared to Croatia's 67% in their last outing. This indicates a potential advantage for England in controlling the game.

England — Croatia Prediction

Exact Score: 2 – 1
1st Half: 1 – 0
Goals (Total): 2 – 1
Corners: 10 – 5
Fouls: 12 – 14
Yellow Cards: 2 – 3
Shots on target: 6 – 3
Offsides: 3 – 2
Possession: 60% – 40%

In terms of tactics, England is expected to utilize their high possession style to control the game, pressing Croatia in their half and exploiting spaces left by their defense. Croatia may adopt a counter-attacking approach, relying on quick transitions to capitalize on any defensive lapses from England.

3 Reasons Why England Will Win

Strong Home Form: England has won 7 of their last 10 matches, indicating a solid home advantage.
Head-to-Head Dominance: England has a favorable record against Croatia, winning 2 out of their last 3 encounters.
Defensive Vulnerabilities: Croatia has conceded 19 goals in their last 10 matches, highlighting potential weaknesses that England can exploit.