England vs Croatia – World Cup LIVE: Live score, team news and updates as Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI is ‘leaked’ – and fans and WAGs hit Dallas

If you are on a computer, just Ctrl+F ‘Dallas’ for me, and you may be able to tell where England is playing Croatia tonight.

That’s right, the Three Lions are starting their campaign at the Dallas Stadium today, which is normally known as the AT&T Stadium.

And what an arena, eh? It’s a proper beauty.

We have spoken about the UK vs US stadium debate a lot of late, and well, going by this ground, many would say that the States may have the edge.

(We all secretly know that English stadiums are better, sorry Americans)

Wow…

When I first saw the cover of this video, I presumed it was Croatia fans under a gazebo having a drink or two.

But no, the Croatia supporters are walking through the streets of Dallas with an absolutely monstrous flag. I mean, it’s mental.

I have a feeling they are going to generate a hell of an atmosphere later. I can’t wait.

Gethin, Gethin, Gethin…

We normally do handovers on this blog when it’s time to change reporters, with the predecessor usually providing a glowing introduction to the new blogger in town.

But all I got from Gethin was ‘you can do it’. Nice, eh? It’s probably because he is Welsh and isn’t all that fussed about this evening. Understandable.

But no, if you’re reading this, Geth, I love you really, mate.

Anyway, enough of that. There are now less than four hours until kick-off, and it’s time to ramp up the build-up for what is a massive game.

I’m so excited for this one!

The question on every supporters’ mind heading into this summer’s Stateside World Cup was: just how will England cope with the heat?

Well the temperature in Arlington, Texas, for the Three Lions’ opener this evening is set to soar just beyond 30C. So make sure you wear you sun cream, England fans!

Luckily for the players, the roof at the city’s AT&T Stadium will close as we move closer to kick-off. That’s a perk of opening your campaign at the world’s largest air conditioned venue.

Anticipation is well and truly building in Arlington – and it appears as though beers are flowing too.

Thousands of England shirts and St George’s flags have been spotted all over the city, and there’s one pub in particular where most supporters are flocking.

The Londoner opened ahead of the World Cup and serves classic British meals like fish and chips. Oh, and beers from back home too.

I know where I’d be heading if I was out there…

We know almost everything about Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad heading into this evening’s 9pm kick-off, but what about their Croatian opponents?

No, Croatia may not boast the same quality as they did in 2018, when they sent the Three Lions home on penalties in the World Cup semi-final – but the European side are not to be underestimated.

Mateo Kovacic, Joskvo Gvardiol and a 40-year-old Luka Modric are all set to feature at the AT&T Stadium.

And, if you need a hand pronouncing any of their names, here’s the perfect video.

The England stars’ WAGs have flocked to Dallas ahead of the beginning of the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign.

Ollie Watkins’ influencer girlfriend Ellie Anderson, Bukayo Saka’s fiancée Tolami Benson and Jordan Pickford’s partner Megan have all arrived in Texas over the last few days.

Megan shared a sweet snap to her Instagram story earlier today of her donning the couple’s seven-year-old son’s England top!

Strong words here from England boss Thomas Tuchel.

There’s a lot of pressure weighing on the German’s shoulders heading into tonight, when England will face their toughest group stage opponents.

Start with a defeat, and that pressure will only mount.

That’s right, Luke has left you with me for the next hour or so. Strap in, because we’re just a few hours away from the the start of England’s World Cup campaign.

Bellingham or Rogers? Gordon or Rashford? Konsa or Stones?

We’ll have answers to all of those questions shortly, and I just can’t wait.

Luke Power OFF, Gethin Hicks ON

It’s a rogue shout from the manager…

I’m off for the rest of the day but I’m sure Gethin will take care of you. Enjoy the match, and more importantly, enjoy our blog!

Keeping Harry Kane fit and firing is pivotal to our World Cup hopes.

He’s a rare example of a striker who scores loads and also contributes a lot off the ball. Usually the latter is an excuse for shortcomings in the former camp. Not with Kane. He does it all.

Kane has often looked jaded in tournaments, though. Now 32, how is he going to stay fresh for a potential eight-match competition… after a long season?

Craig Hope reports.

England’s stars really went to town on the poses in their photoshoots for the World Cup.

What is this, the football or the front cover of Esquire?