Sixty years on from their only World Cup triumph, England have crossed the Atlantic with genuine belief that this summer's tournament - spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada - could finally end that long wait. Thomas Tuchel's side opened their Group L campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Harry Kane scoring twice to set the tone for what the nation hopes will be a deep run into July.
The win over Croatia, a team ranked 11th in the world and England's semifinal opponents at Russia 2018, was the kind of statement result that separates expectation from genuine contention. Kane's brace underlined why the Bayern Munich striker remains central to everything England do in front of goal, while Jude Bellingham's influence across the pitch continues to grow at international level. For fans tracking the broader sporting calendar this summer - whether football, floorball, or anything in between - platforms carrying live floorball odds reflect just how wide the global sports audience has become during major tournament windows. Back on the pitch in Arlington, Tuchel was characteristically measured in his post-match assessment, noting that the performance was encouraging but that improvement would be required as the stakes rise.
Tuchel's squad selection raised eyebrows before a ball was kicked. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer - two of the Premier League's most creative forces - were left at home, with the German coach making clear he prioritised collective structure over individual brilliance. Ivan Toney earned his place, as did John Stones, despite limited game time at Manchester City. The omissions sparked debate, but the Croatia result offered early vindication of the manager's approach. Tuchel has spoken openly about picking "the best team, not the 26 most talented players," and the cohesion on show against the Croatians suggested that philosophy has filtered through to the group.
Injury Concerns Cast a Shadow Over the Camp
England's preparations were not without disruption. Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad with a calf injury, replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. Reece James and Djed Spence are both working their way back from injury - a hamstring problem for James, a jaw issue for Spence - meaning England's fullback options carry a degree of physical uncertainty. Bukayo Saka, who nursed an Achilles problem through Arsenal's title run-in, came off the bench against Croatia rather than starting, with Tuchel emphasising the need to manage his workload carefully across the tournament. Declan Rice was also substituted in the Croatia match, though the manager was quick to downplay any serious concern.
What Remains in Group L
England's next group fixture takes place on Tuesday, June 23 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts against Ghana - a first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Ghana, ranked 74th in the world, are led in part by Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo and carry enough quality to test Tuchel's defensive line if England switch off. The final group game follows on Saturday, June 27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against Panama - a side England defeated 6-1 at the 2018 tournament in Russia. Panama are ranked 33rd and represent the more manageable fixture on paper, though tournament football rarely respects rankings.
- England 4-2 Croatia - June 17, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (ITV)
- England vs. Ghana - June 23, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (ITV)
- England vs. Panama - June 27, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (BBC)
How to Watch and Where England Are Based
ITV holds broadcast rights for the Croatia and Panama fixtures, while the Ghana clash airs on BBC One. Should England advance, BBC will carry the round of 32, round of 16 and semifinal, with ITV taking the quarterfinal. Both broadcasters share rights to the final, scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey. England are headquartered in Kansas City for the duration of the tournament, training at Swope Soccer Village and staying at The Inn at Meadowbrook Hotel - a central base designed to minimise travel across the three host nations. A pre-tournament camp in Florida preceded the move to Kansas City. The setup reflects the logistical seriousness of a squad that has arrived in North America not just to participate, but to compete for the trophy.
