England enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in strong form, having secured two consecutive clean-sheet victories against New Zealand (1-0) and Costa Rica (2-0). However, their opening group-stage opponent is one of the tournament’s most experienced and resilient teams: Croatia, who finished runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022.
Historically, Croatia have caused England several painful setbacks, including the famous 3-2 victory at Wembley that denied England qualification for UEFA Euro 2008, as well as the semifinal triumph at the 2018 World Cup. Nevertheless, England have gained some revenge in recent meetings, winning the last two encounters by scores of 1-0 and 2-1.
Interestingly, both of those England victories saw Croatia receive more yellow cards, with a final card count of 3-1 in each match. Statistics show that the last four meetings between the two nations since 2018 have averaged 4.25 cards per game. It is also worth noting that England have received more cards than their opponents in only one of their last ten matches.
As for Croatia, four of their last five matches have produced an Over outcome in the cards market. The match will be officiated by French referee Clément Turpin, who is known for his strict approach. Across his last 20 matches, Turpin has issued an average of more than 3.7 cards per game.
Given the competitive history between these two sides and the referee’s tendency to punish fouls, this fixture looks highly likely to produce plenty of cards.
Prediction: Croatia to receive more cards & Over cards (Full Match)
First-Half Card Betting Prediction
In 9 of the last 10 matches officiated by Clément Turpin, at least one card was shown before halftime.
All four meetings between England and Croatia since 2018 have featured at least one first-half booking, with a total of six cards shown during the opening 45 minutes. Additionally, 4 of England’s last 5 matches and 7 of Croatia’s last 10 matches have seen cards awarded in the first half.
The data suggests that disciplinary action is likely to arrive early in this contest.
Prediction: Croatia to receive more cards & Over cards (First Half)
Team News
England
- Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is not yet at full fitness.
- Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing.
Croatia
- Croatia are expected to field their strongest available lineup.
- Key players include Dominik Livaković, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Perišić.
Probable Lineups
England
Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Croatia
Livaković; Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Stanišić, Modrić, Kovačić, Perišić; Sučić, Baturina; Musa.
Betting Tips Summary
Full Match Cards
- Croatia to receive more cards
- Over cards
First-Half Cards
- Croatia to receive more cards
- Over cards
England’s disciplined style, Croatia’s physical approach, and Clément Turpin’s strict officiating profile make the cards market one of the most attractive betting angles for this World Cup clash.