England's World Cup starts against Croatia at Arrowhead

Croatia at Arrowhead, and your World Cup starts here

England 0–0 Croatia. The teamsheet is not out yet, but Tuchel has already told you how he wants it played: "We should play brave and to the strengths of the players" (4). The heat in Kansas City has been brutal. Tuchel will not budge: he is "not ready to adapt" England's style for it (3).

Tuchel: the occasion will bring the best out of England

Croatia are familiar. Tuchel knows that, and he is leaning into it. "The occasion and tension will bring the best out of England," he said ahead of Wednesday's Group D opener at Arrowhead Stadium (4). All six of his pre-tournament friendlies ended in victory. The squad trained through a tornado alert and high temperatures in Kansas City. Belief inside the camp is high.

Turpin in the middle, Tuchel's old Grade E referee

Clément Turpin has the whistle for the Croatia match (1). Tuchel called him a "Grade E" official during his Bayern Munich days. That history now sits under the biggest game of England's 2026 so far.

Bridge: O'Reilly ready for the stage

Wayne Bridge has picked Nico O'Reilly as the young England player to watch. "I loved him ever since he came onto the scene," Bridge said (6). The Manchester City midfielder is pushing for minutes and has the former England left-back convinced his moment is coming.

Your flag could be taken off you

If you are at Arrowhead Stadium, check what you are carrying. The Guardian reports England flags could be confiscated from supporters attending the opener (10). No further detail yet on what triggers a seizure, but the warning is live. Plan ahead.

Ramsdale to Leeds, the early noise

Leeds United are in the market for a goalkeeper and Aaron Ramsdale's name is in the frame. Former United scout Mick Brown put it plainly: "Leeds are in the market for a new goalkeeper so they will be aware of his availability" (12). Nick Pope concerns are driving the search, with Lucas Perri at Lyon also on the list. Ramsdale is at Southampton. Leeds under Daniel Farke want a promotion-ready number one.

Ghana and Panama go first in Group L

Later Wednesday, Ghana face Panama in Group L (13). Both are in England's group. Carlos Queiroz has Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Thomas Partey to call on. The result sets the shape of the group before England play their opener.

Fan reactions

The Trevoh Chalobah call-up has Chelsea supporters buzzing, his late addition to the squad landed well on the Chelsea subreddit, where fans see it as overdue recognition. Over on the City side, the mood is lighter: a fan project turning iconic England and City moments into minimalist posters has the subreddit trading favourites and laughing at the predictable winner. Read the poster thread here.