Modric and Croatia open against England in Dallas

England await in Dallas

Your World Cup starts today. Croatia face England in the Group L opener in Dallas on Wednesday (1) (3) (4). Thomas Tuchel has already decided his starting XI: "I know my starting XI," he said, though he called the choices tough (1) (2). England have prepared extensively for set-pieces, and Tuchel has history with referee Clement Turpin (3). The narrative around your team is clear, written off by many, but nobody in the England camp is treating this lightly. Tuchel himself said the World Cup will "bring out the best" in England against what he called old foes (3).

Modric still the one they fear

Jordan Henderson summed up how England see your captain: the best midfielder he has ever faced (3). At 40, Luka Modric remains Croatia's heartbeat. His creativity against an England midfield that has spent days drilling set-piece routines will be the game within the game. This is a team in transition, yes. But Modric does not do quiet exits.