Joe fancies the Three Lions to kick off their campaign with three points.

After a long wait, it’s finally time for England to step up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Croatia may not be considered the Three Lions’ rivals in the Argentine or German sense, there is an undeniable saga growing across the generations, as this will be the 10th competitive encounter of the current century.

The sting of England’s semi-final defeat to the Croats in the 2018 World Cup won’t soon be forgotten but, with that being the Three Lions’ only loss across the last six clashes, recent head-to-head history is still on their side.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of his incredible strike against Sweden in Cologne, former England star Joe Cole has dived into the markets to deliver an eye-opening England v Croatia Bet Builder. Joe’s punts also include player picks covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, meaning if a player is hooked off, the bet carries over to his replacement.

England v Croatia Bet Builder tips

England to win
Harry Kane to score
Jude Bellingham to have 2+ Shots
Elliot Anderson to be carded

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th, 9pm
WHERE: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TV: ITV 1/ITV X

This is a good time to play Croatia. They’ve got a 40-year-old Luka Modric playing in midfield. They lost 2-1 to Belgium in preparation and they’re ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings but I think they’re on the slide.

What this generation of players has done has been incredible, they got to a World Cup final, but I really fancy England to win and get off to a good start. You have to look at Harry Kane to score, he’s had an amazing season and says he’s in the best shape ever.

England Free Bet Builder

I also like Jude Bellingham to have 2+ shots in this game if he starts and, to bump the price up a bit, Elliot Anderson to be carded. I’m a big fan of his but he does like to put his foot in. His job might be to stop Modric but I just fancy England to get off to a good start.

England v Croatia tips

England to win
Harry Kane to score
Jude Bellingham to have 2+ Shots
Elliot Anderson to be carded

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

READ MORETap here for PP.com’s latest football oddsThe Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know