Why Croatia Remain a 'Huge Threat' to England with Modrić and the New Generation

England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, and despite the comfortable gap in the world rankings, Thomas Tuchel would be wise to approach the match with heightened caution.

Croatia sit 11th in the world — but rankings have never told the full story with this nation. For a country of fewer than four million people, their achievements at major tournaments are extraordinary: a debut third-place finish in 1998, a final in 2018, and another third place in 2022. They are the eternal overachievers of international football, and England know this better than anyone.

It was Croatia who eliminated the Three Lions in the World Cup semi-finals eight years ago. It was they who beat England at Wembley in 2007, in Steve McClaren's infamous umbrella night — the last time England failed to qualify for a major tournament. Even at Euro 2020, when England beat them in the opening match en route to the final, Croatia were far from comfortable opponents.

Dalić harbors no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. "From the first pot, we drew one of the toughest national teams," he said. "It's a bit of a shame that we face them in the very first match — it sets the tone for our entire participation. We'll need to be fully prepared."

At 40 years old, Luka Modrić remains the heart and soul of the team. But Dalić's focus in this cycle has been on building around a new generation, led by Joško Gvardiol — health permitting. "We have fantastic talents and new players ready to take on the responsibility," the manager declared. "We have rich experience, young energy, and an enduring desire to win. We believe we can get through the group stage and reach the knockout rounds."

England may be the clear favorites. Croatia have heard that before.