England are preparing to kick off in Dallas against Croatia, and who are england playing today is the question with the clearest answer on the tournament schedule. Harry Kane’s form and England’s chances are part of the discussion, but the immediate task is simple: Croatia stand in front of them at the World Cup.
Harry Kane in focus
Kane is the England captain, and his thoughts on the Three Lions’ chances and his own form are part of the buildup. That puts the spotlight on England’s main forward before the ball is kicked, with the group already looking for a sharp start in Dallas.
Portugal open up against DR Congo before England face Croatia, which leaves England waiting their turn while the rest of the day’s action begins elsewhere. When their match arrives, the attention shifts straight to whether Kane can set the tone for England’s tournament entrance.
Croatia’s recent record
Croatia bring more than a single matchup into Dallas. In their past two World Cup outings, they reached a final and a semi-final, a run that gives England a clear picture of the level they are facing from the outset.
Luka Modric is 40 years old, and he remains part of the background to this meeting. His age adds another layer to Croatia’s setup, because England are not simply facing a side with recent success; they are facing one built around a veteran presence that has already been through deep tournament runs.
Dallas opens England’s World Cup
For England, the opening whistle in Dallas is the start of the tournament rather than a later-stage test. That makes the Croatia fixture the first real measure of where they stand, with their captain under scrutiny and the opponent carrying a recent record that includes a final and a semi-final in the past two outings.
David Hytner has been listening to Kane’s thoughts on England’s chances and his own form, but the practical reality stays fixed on the pitch: England meet Croatia first, and Dallas is where their World Cup begins.
