Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Croatia vs England World Cup opener has become a major test for Zlatko Dalic, with his side preparing to face Thomas Tuchel’s team in Dallas on 17 June while several senior players battle for full fitness.

Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in their final warm-up match in Varazdin before flying to the United States, but Dalic admitted the first group game could shape their whole FIFA World Cup campaign.

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Dalic Wary Of England Test

“Maybe, because the first game can destroy everything,” Dalic said when asked whether he would have preferred to face England later in the group stage. “At Euro 2024 we lost 3-0 to Spain in the first game and we fell down, couldn’t come back. But in the past we’ve beaten Nigeria [in 2018] and drawn with Morocco [in 2022].”

“We can’t choose anything else now. The first game is the most important game. Against England we’ll fight, try to do our best and try to win.”

Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third in 2022, but this build-up has not been smooth. Fans can follow official tournament details through FIFA’s World Cup hub.

Fitness Concerns For Croatia

Luka Modric scored in Varazdin while wearing a protective mask after a fractured cheekbone, but Dalic said the veteran midfielder is not alone in lacking minutes.

“Kovacic, Gvardiol and Modric didn’t play much for a long time and they are not in optimal form,” Dalic said. “Especially Kovacic, he hardly played this season and now we need him. It’s not easy and we need time. Gvardiol is now back but I know they are not at the optimal level. We don’t have a big roster and these are some of our most important players.”

Dalic, who led Croatia past England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, refused to lean on that history. He instead praised England’s speed, attacking style and early arrival in the United States.