England kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a clash against Croatia - who knocked them out at the semi-final stage eight years ago - and the Three Lions have not always had their own way in their opening game

England have named their starting XI for the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kane, Bellingham, Saka, and Rice.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 15 : England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for…