Modrić v Rice: the midfield knot in Group L
Two playmakers, two systems — and the man who wins the middle frames the night.
England line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson screening behind Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane leading the line. Croatia answer in a 3-4-2-1, Luka Modrić pulling strings ahead of Joško Gvardiol's back three. That central tug — Rice's legs against Modrić's guile — is where this one tilts.
Out wide, Anthony Gordon is the live wire on England's left. He scored and set up another in the last game, a 3-0 win over Costa Rica, and against a Croatia three he's the kind of runner who stretches a back line thin.
The textures clash. England's recent games have been lower-scoring; Croatia's have been the more open. The bookmakers have made England strong favourites, Croatia the outsiders — and on the evidence I'd trust England's calmer rhythm, with Gordon the man most likely to break it open.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
