England open Group L on 17 June against Croatia in Dallas. The opener Tuchel cannot get wrong, against the team Tuchel knows better than any other. We've called it 2–1 to the Three Lions. Here's why, who's in the XI, and the colour story we'd wear into AT&T Stadium.
The squad question
Tuchel names the 26 on 30 May. The build-up has been mixed — a draw with Uruguay, a defeat to Japan in the final warm-ups. Expectations are being recalibrated. That's the kind of pre-tournament mood the brand was built for: knowing scepticism tipping toward genuine excitement, with a vein of "back yourself anyway."
The XI we'd pick
Pickford in goal. The back four is the most contested area — Trippier, Stones, Guéhi, Mings on form. Midfield: Rice, Bellingham, Foden. Front three: Saka, Kane, Palmer. We'd give Watkins the Lion's share of minutes off the bench.
The score we're calling
2–1. Goals from Saka and Bellingham, with Modrić pulling one back from a set piece in the 75th minute. The MetLife crowd holds its breath for ten minutes and breathes again at full-time.
The shirt
Cross palette. Cobalt and red on cream. "It's coming somewhere" along the lower front, in italic Instrument Serif. 17 JUN 2026. ENG 2 — 1 CRO. Wear it to the pub at 9 PM UK. Wear it to the watch party. Post the receipt before kick-off.
That's our prediction. If it's yours too — wear it.