World Cup: Bayern teammates set to face off as England take on Croatia

The starting line-ups have been confirmed for this evening’s Group L clash between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas (22:00 CEST).

Harry Kane and Josip Stanisic set to face off in World Cup action this evening

Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images

The final group in alphabetical order gets underway tonight as England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia, with several Bundesliga stars past and present set to feature.

For England, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will lead the line for Thomas Tuchel’s side after a remarkable season in which he scored 60 goals in all competitions. Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham also starts, while Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah is named among the substitutes.

Croatia, meanwhile, will be represented by Bayern defender Josip Stanišić, who has been handed a starting berth by Zlatko Dalić. Hamburg loanee Luka Vušković also earns a place in the starting XI.

There is further Bundesliga representation among the Croatian ranks. Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramarić, Freiburg striker Igor Matanović and Augsburg midfielder Kristjan Jakić are all named on the bench. Former Bayern winger Ivan Perišić starts on the left flank, alongside ex-RB Leipzig defender Joško Gvardiol, while former Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Marin Pongračić is among the substitutes.

Confirmed England vs. Croatia lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford (GK) – James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly – Anderson, Rice – Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon – Kane

Croatia (3-4-2-1): Livaković (GK) – Vušković, Šutalo, Gvardiol – Stanišić, Pašalić, Modrić, Perišić – Sučić, Baturina – Musa