The time has finally arrived for England to get their World Cup 2026 campaign underway, with Thomas Tuchel’s side ready to meet Croatia in a Group L opener that is a repeat of their semi-final eight years ago.Tuchel will have 25 of his 26 players to pick from in Dallas – late injury replacement Trevoh Chalobah is not yet available – with captain Harry Kane set to lead the line in a tournament where the big names have wasted no time in making their impact. But the England boss faces a decision over Bukayo Saka, who needs his fitness managed as he battles an injury. Will the Arsenal star be able to start?While Croatia are much-changed, and arguably a lesser force, compared to the team that broke England hearts in Russia, Luka Modric remains at the heart of their midfield in a group also featuring Ghana and Panama. Follow all the action below with kick-off set for 3pm local time or 9pm BST:'Focus on what we can influence'In the final hours before England’s opening World Cup match, Thomas Tuchel hasn’t felt the need for any extra rousing speech about what the competition is. The manager senses the right mood among the squad as it is.“They know,” Tuchel says. “We all know, and I think you have to grow into a tournament. At the moment, I don’t feel that any emotional fuel is needed to make everyone clear what is happening. But at the moment I see it even as an advantage that we’re focused on what we can actually influence. We don’t put it in the bigger picture - just put it where it is. We know,” he repeated.Some of the players certainly know the challenge of Croatia. They’re all well aware of Luka Modric’s quality, of course, especially since he’s been central to three of four meetings between the sides since 2018.Miguel Delaney in Dallas17 June 2026 16:20Predicted XIsEngland XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; KaneCroatia XI: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Sucic, Baturina; MusaAlan Smith17 June 2026 16:10Early team newsBukayo Saka is touch and go to prove his fitness to start, with Noni Madueke ready to deputise on the right. Trevoh Chalobah will not be involved after replacing the injured Tino Livramento but will be available for their next outing. All other squad members are fit - will Tuchel pick Bellingham or Morgan Rodgers in the No 10 and who out of Guehi, Stones and Konsa starts at centre back?As it stands, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has a full bill of health, with all 26 players available for their opening game, including Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, who have endured injury-impacted seasons.Alan Smith17 June 2026 16:00Tuchel calls for braveryThomas Tuchel has promised that England will be “brave” in this World Cup, and that a big “occasion” like that against Croatia “will bring out the best in us”.England finally open their tournament in Dallas’ AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, although the German insisted that it is not yet big enough for him to sing the national anthem.He did instead discuss how much he sees the country as “home”, as he aims to bring back a first trophy in 60 years.Tuchel believes the key to that will be an adventurous approach that the squad are already used to.He said: “I think we should play brave and play to the strengths of the players. I feel clearly that the players want it and that it helps us, and that they are successful in club football like this, they compete in the strongest league, most of them, the others who are not in the league compete in the highest level in Europe and Champions League and they play in brave and active teams and that's what we try because it makes them comfortable.”Miguel Delaney in Dallas17 June 2026 15:55How to watch tonight's matchViewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV 1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with coverage starting at 8pm BST. It can also be live streamed on ITVX.Alan Smith17 June 2026 15:44