England vs Croatia Betting Tips Tonight: World Cup Prediction, Odds And Best Bets

England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign tonight with a heavyweight Group L opener against Croatia, a fixture that immediately brings back memories of past tournament drama between the two nations. Thomas Tuchel’s side are expected to start as favourites, but Croatia have enough experience, midfield quality and big-game nous to make this far from straightforward. Below, we’ve picked out our England vs Croatia betting tips, latest odds and prediction ahead of tonight’s World Cup clash.

England vs Croatia Betting Tips

England to win is the headline selection, with Thomas Tuchel’s side fancied to make a winning start to Group L against a Croatia team who may still prove difficult to break down. Nico O'Reilly is the bigger-priced goalscorer angle at 15/2, while Gordon and Perisic both to be carded at 40/1 gives the table a proper longshot option in what could become a competitive, niggly tournament opener.

Best Bet: England To Win

England to win is the most straightforward betting angle at 3/4. This is not a price that will excite everyone, but it does reflect the most likely outcome. Thomas Tuchel’s side should have more pace, more attacking variety and greater depth from the bench, which could be important if Croatia turn this into a tactical affair. Croatia still have enough midfield nous to make England work for long spells, but their ageing core may struggle if England can move the ball quickly and stretch the game. In a group opener where control matters, England look the right side to trust and with pace on the bench itching to make an impact, expext them to pull away late.

Next Best: Nico O'Reilly Anytime Goalscorer

Nico O'Reilly anytime goalscorer at 15/2 is the more interesting player angle. This is clearly a bigger-priced selection rather than a banker, but the appeal is in his potential route to goals. If O'Reilly is given licence to break forward, as he has done to great effect for Man City all season, he could be one of the England players arriving into dangerous areas while Croatia are focused on dealing with the more obvious attacking threats.

Those late runs earned him the young player of the year gong in the league and can be difficult to track, especially against a side that may spend long spells defending their own box. At 15/2, he only needs one clear opening to make the price look generous as he is an elite finisher for a full back. This could be a breakout tournament and 15/2 for a player who scored nine goals in all competitions from 33 starts is exceptional value..

Longshot: Gordon & Anderson To Be Carded

Anthony Gordon looks to have won the battle for the left wing spot in Tuchel's best team with Marcus Rashford, which will sting the Mancunian after Gordon also pinched his spot at Barcelona, but for all the ex-Newcastle man is in fine form going forward, he does have a shocking challenge or two in him. Making his tournament debut, the scouser could show some overexuberance in the challenge and given this referee Clement Turpin has history with England's manager, I don't expect him to be keeping his cards in his pockets against the Three Lions for long. Gordon picked up three yellows and a red in 24 Premier League games this season, while Elliott Anderson is also making his tournament debut against a tricky midfield and could be making fouls aplenty. He started all 38 Nottingham Forest games in 2025/26 and received 8 cards, so 11/2 looks more than fair with bet365, who are best price this double.