Croatia vs England World Cup 2026: 5 Croatian Players England Must Stop

England have been here before. In 2018, Croatia beat them in the semi-finals in Moscow — a gut-punch that still stings for Three Lions fans. Now, eight years later, Thomas Tuchel’s England face Croatia again, this time in the Group L opener of the 2026 World Cup. Ranked 11th in the world, Croatia are no longer just a team of ageing veterans — they have hungry young talent alongside battle-hardened experience. Here are five Croatian players England simply cannot afford to ignore on Wednesday.

Luka Vuskovic — Tottenham’s Teenage Sensation Arrives on the World Stage

Luka Vuskovic is 18 years old and already has Tottenham Hotspur’s faith. After an outstanding loan spell at Hamburg in 2025-26, the centre-back arrives at the World Cup as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in European football.

Physically dominant for his age, composed on the ball, and tactically intelligent — Vuskovic is everything you want in a modern defender. England’s forwards will find no easy pickings here. Tuchel’s attack will be well and truly tested by this teenager.

Josko Gvardiol — The Manchester City Rock England Must Overcome

If Vuskovic is the future, Josko Gvardiol is the present. At 24, the Manchester City centre-back is considered one of the best defenders on the planet. Quick, commanding in the air, and excellent in one-on-one situations, he has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.

England fans will know him well. Gvardiol was the man Lionel Messi had to produce a moment of absolute genius to beat at Qatar 2022. For Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and company, he will be the biggest obstacle between England and a winning start.

Mateo Kovacic — The Man City Maestro Pulling Croatia’s Strings

Mateo Kovacic (32) is another face Premier League fans know well, having played for Chelsea before joining Manchester City. In midfield, he is Croatia’s conductor — controlling tempo, winning the ball back and picking passes that unlock defensive structures.

England’s midfield must match Kovacic’s engine from the first whistle. If he is allowed to dictate play, Croatia will control large portions of the game. Shutting him down early is arguably England’s most important tactical task on Wednesday.

Dominik Livakovic — The Last Keeper England Want in a Shootout

England fans’ nightmares at shootouts are well-documented. So the last thing the Three Lions want is to face Dominik Livakovic from 12 yards. The 32-year-old goalkeeper saved three penalties against Japan and one against Brazil at Qatar 2022 — almost single-handedly keeping Croatia in the tournament.

In normal play he is excellent too: sharp reflexes, strong positioning, and unflappable under pressure. If Wednesday’s match goes to extra time, Livakovic becomes Croatia’s most dangerous player. England must settle this in 90 minutes.

Andrej Kramaric — The Veteran Striker With Ice in His Veins

At 35, Andrej Kramaric refuses to slow down. One of Croatia’s all-time top scorers, he brings guile, positioning and a deadly finish to every match. He may not run the channels like he once did, but inside the box he remains as dangerous as ever.

England’s defence cannot afford a lapse in concentration around the penalty area. Kramaric punishes mistakes ruthlessly. One moment of hesitation could be the difference between a winning start and a shock Group L upset for England.

England vs Croatia: History, Stakes and What Matters on Wednesday

England have form against Croatia in recent tournaments. They beat them 1-0 at Euro 2020 (played in 2021), but Croatia won the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia. Tuchel will have drilled his players on the Croatian threat — but talking about it and dealing with it on the pitch are two very different things.

A win for England in this opener sets the tone for the entire group. A draw keeps things nervy. Another defeat — to Croatia again — would send shockwaves through the Three Lions camp before the tournament has barely started.

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