World Cup 2026: Croatia boss issues stark warning ahead of England opener
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has warned England they face the "toughest" possible start to their World Cup campaign when the two sides meet in Dallas on 17 June.
The Three Lions will begin their Group L journey against familiar foes who have frequently upset the odds on the global stage.
Currently ranked 11th in the world, the 2018 finalists possess enough pedigree to make new England boss Thomas Tuchel wary of his first major tournament test.
Dalic believes the fixture list has dealt a difficult hand to both nations by pitting the group heavyweights against one another immediately.
"From the first pot we got one of the toughest national teams, England," the 59-year-old manager said.
"It’s a bit unfortunate that we’re playing them in the opening match, which is the most important one because it sets the tone at the start."
"We’ll have to be ready for that match."
A history of heartbreak
England supporters will view the fixture with a mixture of optimism and trepidation given the nations’ shared history.
Gareth Southgate’s side claimed victory in their Euro 2020 opener at Wembley thanks to a Raheem Sterling winner.
However, the Vatreni were responsible for ending England’s World Cup dreams in the 2018 semi-finals in Moscow.
Longer memories will also recall the 3-2 defeat at Wembley in 2007 which cost Steve McClaren his job and denied England a place at Euro 2008.
Despite England being seeded to progress deep into the tournament, their opponents remain one of international football’s most resilient outfits.
With a population of less than four million, the Balkan nation continues to punch well above its weight.
The last dance for a legend
The match in Dallas will likely feature Luka Modric, one of the game’s all-time greats, who is still orchestrating play at the age of 40.
The Real Madrid icon’s career has mirrored his country’s rise, sharing both the highs of a World Cup final and the lows of early exits.
He is joined by Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, though fitness concerns have plagued the former Chelsea man recently.
While the old guard remains influential, Dalic is keen to highlight the emergence of a new era.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, who shone in Qatar four years ago, represents the future of the national side.
"We have players coming through, great talent and new players ready to step up and be the next generation," Dalic added.
"We have great experience, younger players but still a determination to win and our target is to go past the group stage and into the knock-out."
"We believe we can do it. It will not be easy and we will never underestimate our opponents."