England embarks on a World Cup mission to overcome 6 decades of regret

England has never won the biggest football title since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966. The team that has been carrying that regret for six decades is now dreaming of a new world cup in North America. At the beginning of that campaign, their opponent is the 2018 World Cup runner-up Croatia.

The two teams will face each other in the 'L' Group match in Dallas on Wednesday at 2 am Bangladesh time. The first indication of how far England, who were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Qatar World Cup, can go this time will be found in this match.

England coach Thomas Tuchel gave several surprises in announcing the World Cup squad. Familiar faces like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold did not make the 26-member team. However, England played brilliantly under Tuchel in the qualifiers. They won all eight matches and qualified for the World Cup as group winners.

The team includes experienced Jordan Henderson. He will turn 36 on the day of the match against Croatia.

England's Smriti Mishra against Croatia. This will be the fourth encounter between the two teams in a major tournament since 2004. England have won the European Championship twice. However, Croatia won 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

The biggest achievement in Croatia's football history is reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup. Although their title dreams were shattered by losing to France there. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, but had to leave after losing to Argentina.

The lifeblood of the team, Luka Modric, will once again lead Croatia's midfield. This is going to be his fifth World Cup. Although his club season did not go very well. He had to end the season early due to injury. Still, this experienced midfielder, who is waiting to play his 200th match for his country, is confident.