The goals, minute by minute
- 12'Harry KanePenalty · 1-0
- 36'Martin BaturinaGoal · 1-1
- 42'Harry KaneGoal · 2-1
- 45'+5'Petar MusaGoal · 2-2
- 47'Jude BellinghamGoal · 3-2
- 85'Marcus RashfordGoal · 4-2
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
England (4th FIFA) vs Croatia (11th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- England: 5 wins in its last 5, a deep squad (Bellingham, Kane, Saka). Favorite and a title contender.
- Croatia: pedigree and experience, but a shaky defense (conceded in its last 6) and a generational transition underway.
Key factors
- England arrives in great form and with more physicality and depth.
- Croatia keeps midfield quality but is defensively vulnerable.
- Loaded history: Croatia knocked England out in the 2018 semis.
Prediction
Most likely result: 2-1 England (alternative: 1-1)
- England win: 55%
- Draw: 25%
- Croatia win: 20%
Player to watch: Jude Bellingham, late runs and goals from midfield.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
England is the favorite on form and depth, but Croatia always competes. A narrow English win is the most likely scenario.