World Cup: England faces Croatia in Group L opener
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- England and Croatia face off in a Group L match, with England aiming to end a long title drought since their 1966 World Cup win.
- Croatia, a consistent elite team in the last decade, secured silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.
- Key players for Croatia include Luka Modriฤ, Mateo Kovaฤiฤius, Andrej Kramariฤius, Ivan Periลกiฤius, and Joลกko Gvardiol, while England's stars are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Declan Rice.
England enters the World Cup seeking to break a prolonged spell without major titles, having last won the tournament in 1966. Their quest begins against Croatia, a team that has solidified its place among the elite over the past decade.
Croatia boasts an impressive recent record, having earned silver medals at the 2018 World Cup and bronze in Qatar in 2022. The team continues to be led by veteran captain Luka Modriฤ, 40, who remains a pivotal figure. He is supported by midfielders Mateo Kovaฤiฤius and Andrej Kramariฤius, winger Ivan Periลกiฤius, and the highly regarded defender Joลกko Gvardiol.
England's hopes rest on star striker Harry Kane, who is expected to lead the line. He will be joined by a talented supporting cast including Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Declan Rice, all of whom are expected to play crucial roles in England's campaign.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.