England and Croatia are meeting at the FIFA World Cup for the second time. Their first encounter came in the semi-final of the 2018 tournament – Croatia won 2-1 after extra-time.

This is the fourth match between England and Croatia at a major tournament this century – twice at the FIFA World Cup (one Croatia win so far, in the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament) and twice at the UEFA European Championship (both England wins). Sweden are the only other team that England have faced as frequently at major tournaments in the 21st century (also 4).