Croatia's Key Players to Watch in World Cup Opener Against England
Croatia, ranked 11th globally and known for its strong World Cup performances including a third-place finish in 2022 and runners-up in 2018, is set to face England in their Group L opener. The squad combines a durable core of experienced players with emerging talent. England will need to monitor key figures such as veteran midfielder Luka Modric, defensive stalwarts Josko Gvardiol and Luka Vuskovic, and rising star Petar Sucic.
Croatia, an enduring force in international football, prepares to meet England in their World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday. The team, currently ranked 11th in the world, achieved a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and were runners-up four years prior. Six players from their 2018 squad, which defeated England in the semi-finals, remain.
Among the players England should monitor is 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur. Standing 6ft 4in, Vuskovic excelled on loan at Hamburg in 2025-26, being shortlisted for Bundesliga player and rookie of the season awards. He has five caps and one goal for Croatia, with head coach Zlatko Dalic predicting he will be a national team pillar for the next decade.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, 24, recently returned on May 13 after a four-month absence due to a fractured shinbone. With 48 caps and four goals, Gvardiol has started all 14 of Croatia's games across the last three major tournaments, becoming their youngest ever player in a major tournament at 19 during Euro 2020. Dalic previously lauded him as "the best centre-back in the world" during the 2022 World Cup, where Gvardiol played every minute and scored in the third-place play-off.
Captain Luka Modric, 40, an AC Milan midfielder, is on track for his 200th international cap this summer, having recovered from a fractured cheekbone on April 26. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is one of only a few male players globally recognized by FIFA with more appearances. Modric dictated his team's tempo in 2025-26, playing his most league minutes since 2010-11.
Emerging talent Petar Sucic, a 22-year-old Inter Milan midfielder, has already secured a domestic double in his first season in Italy. With 17 caps and one goal, Sucic has become a regular in Croatia's central midfield, making six starts in World Cup qualifying. Former international Robert Prosinecki has stated his belief that Sucic will become a cornerstone of the new era for the national team.
According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, these key Croatian players present significant challenges for England in their upcoming match.
