England v Croatia: World Cup predictions, best bets and odds

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You may just recall the World Cup of 2018, when Croatia defeated England in the semi-finals after extra time.

And some readers will recall the match between these sides back in November 2007. Croatia won 3-2 at Wembley Stadium, which meant that England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 – that defeat saw former head coach Steve McClaren labelled the ‘wally with a brolly’ as the rain fell.

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There has been plenty of water under the bridge since, of course, with England installed as one of the favourites to win this year’s World Cup.

Croatia are considered little more than dangerous outsiders these days, with an ageing squad that has lost two of its last three games played.

In the debilitating heat of Dallas – temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees on Wednesday – could England take full advantage?

England v Croatia Tips

England to Win @ 7/10 (Paddy Power)

Jude Bellingham to Create 2+ Shots @ 11/10 (Paddy Power)

Reece James 1+ Shot on Target from Outside the Box @ 7/2 (Paddy Power)

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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Young man’s game

This writer can attest that playing sport does not get any easier as you get older.

So, you can only imagine what it’s like at the elite level of football when you reach 40, particularly on a day of extraordinary heat, as is predicted for this corner of Texas.

Croatia’s starting 11 could feature 40-year-old Luka Modric, as well as at least four players aged 32 or older.

And while this isn’t designed to be some ageist rant, in tough physical conditions, the energy and vitality of this England squad could just prove too much for a handful, irrepressible as Modric is.

Another factor could well be the strength of England’s bench, with plenty of match winners that can come on as substitutes and take advantage of any tiring limbs on Croatia’s side.

Tip: England to Win @ 7/10 (Paddy Power)

Explanation: Our bet lands if England win this game by any scoreline.

Hey Jude

Paddy Power has rolled out a new betting market for this World Cup: a player-based ‘create a shot’ category.

In essence, that means we’re looking for players to assist a shot… whether that results in a goal or not.

England’s final friendly before the World Cup began was against Costa Rica, and Thomas Tuchel named a starting 11 that was something like what you’d imagine he will field against Croatia.

Tellingly, Jude Bellingham started as the number 10 ahead of Morgan Rogers that day, so you’d have to assume the Real Madrid man will get the nod here too.

If he does, this price of 11/10 on him to create two shooting opportunities for his teammates may just prove to be excellent value.

Tip: Jude Bellingham to Create 2+ Shots @ 11/10 (Paddy Power)

Explanation: Our bet lands if Jude Bellingham creates two shooting opportunities as per the official stats.

Free fire 

If neither Morgan Rogers or Marcus Rashford starts on Wednesday, direct free kick duty may be handed to Reece James.

He showed a real aptitude for striking the ball from distance, winning January’s Premier League Goal of the Month and scoring for England during World Cup qualifying from a set piece.

Croatia may resort to the occasional tactical foul to keep the Three Lions in check, so this feels like a logical sort of bet at a handy price.

Tip: Reece James 1+ Shot on Target from Outside the Box @ 7/2 (Paddy Power)

Explanation: Our bet lands if Reece James records a shot on target from outside the penalty area.

England v Croatia: Match result odds

England: 7/10 (Paddy Power)

Draw: 13/5 (Paddy Power)

Croatia: 4/1 (Paddy Power)