England vs Croatia is undoubtedly one of the standout fixtures of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. England arrive as the reigning UEFA Euro runners-up, while Croatia have finished in the world’s top three in each of the last two World Cups.
This matchup also carries significant historical rivalry. Since Croatia gained independence, they have faced England 11 times—more than any other opponent.
The head-to-head record favors England, who have won six matches, drawn three, and lost only two. Croatia famously eliminated England in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, although that victory came after extra time. Since 2018, England have remained unbeaten against Croatia in regulation time, recording four wins and two draws. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-0 victory for England during the UEFA Euro 2020 group stage.
Looking at the statistics, England vs Croatia is not traditionally a fixture that produces a high number of corners. In fact, only one of the last six meetings between the two teams has gone Over the corner line.
England are currently enjoying a run of four consecutive wins against the Asian corner handicap. Meanwhile, Croatia have failed to earn more than four corners in four of their last five matches. Based on those numbers, England look well-positioned to cover the corner handicap.
Prediction: England to win the corner handicap & Under corners (Full Match)
First-Half Corner Kick Prediction
Seven of England’s last eight matches have produced at least five first-half corners.
Another important trend is that England have won the first-half Asian corner handicap in nine of their last ten matches. Following their defeat in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, England have posted a positive first-half corner differential in each of their last three meetings with Croatia, outscoring them by a combined margin of +9 corners before halftime.
These statistics suggest that England are a strong option in the first-half corner market.
Prediction: England to win the corner handicap & Under corners (First Half)
Team News
England
- Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is not yet at full fitness.
- Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing.
Croatia
- Croatia are expected to field their strongest available lineup.
- Key players include Dominik Livaković, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Perišić.
Probable Lineups
England
Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Croatia
Livaković; Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Stanišić, Modrić, Kovačić, Perišić; Sučić, Baturina; Musa.
Betting Tips Summary
Full Match Corners
- England to win the corner handicap
- Under total corners
First-Half Corners
- England to win the first-half corner handicap
- Under first-half corners
England’s recent dominance in corner-related metrics, combined with Croatia’s relatively low corner output, makes the Three Lions the preferred selection in both the full-match and first-half corner markets.