England are heading into another World Cup with high hopes of breaking that now 60-year trophyless run. The tournament is on North American soil, but there is a genuine feeling in the camp that Thomas Tuchel’s squad can go deep. Group L is where it all starts - so who are they up against, and what does England need to do to get through?

The Group L Draw

England face Croatia on 17 June (9pm BST), Ghana on 23 June (9pm BST), and Panama on 27 June (10pm BST). On paper it is a manageable group. Croatia and Ghana are no pushovers though, and England has a long history of making things more complicated than they need to be.

Croatia: Familiar Faces, Familiar Danger

England v Croatia is starting to feel like a major tournament staple, the two nations having faced each other in two of the last three. While not being quite the golden generation that reached the 2018 final in Moscow, the Croats remain technically superb, well-organised, and tactically stubborn. Their squad is in a stage of transition, however, with one-time Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric in the twilight of his career, but they will set up to frustrate and hit on the counter.

The key for England is patience. Croatia will invite pressure and look to punish on the break. An early goal settles the nerves and changes the game. If it stays tight past the hour mark, expect Croatia to fancy their chances from a set piece.

One to watch: Luka Modric - as he closes in on a staggering 200 international caps, this is his last World Cup and he’ll want to go out with a statement performance.

Ghana: The Match to Circle

Ghana could provide one of the most dangerous sides in Group L. However, seasoned international veteran coach Carlos Queiroz is missing a few key players for the tournament, most notably Tottenham’s talented attacker Mohammed Kudus. The Black Stars rely on pace and directness in attack, and will be hoping Athletic Club’s Iñaki Williams will be fit for the tournament. But if Ghana’s latest squad for their May friendly with Mexico is anything to go by, Queiroz is keeping his options open by picking a mixed squad of players from European, North and South American as well as Ghanaian club players.

A confident, expansive England performance leading to a win here - especially if Croatia has already been dealt with - would allow England to rest key players before heading into the knockouts.

One to watch: Birmingham City’s 21 year-old winger Ibrahim Osman has been turning heads since arriving on loan from Brighton and could prove a handful for Group L’s full-backs - England included.

Panama: Get the Job Done

Panama are the lowest-ranked side in the group. England fans will remember the 6-1 in Russia and expect something similar, but do not count on it. Panama will be compact, very physical, and proud. England will need to be efficient in the face of the low block.

By game three, England will ideally be through already and rotating. That makes this the chance for fringe players to make a case for themselves heading into the knockouts.

One to watch: 28 year-old Ismael Diaz scored 6 goals in 4 games at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Liga MX club León forward will hope to add to his international tally by opening his World Cup account this summer.

How England Can Progress

Three wins, top of the group, into the round of 32 with momentum - that must be the target for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The squad depth has improved since the Euros in France, with a midfield bursting with talent and competition mounting for places with key players such as Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham returning to fitness in time for the tournament. Much, however, may hinge on the fitness of Harry Kane, with the striker’s position being the only weakness in terms of backup players. A well-rested, confident England out of a comfortable group stage is far more dangerous than one that scrapes through.

Train Like Kane in Your Own Back Garden

A QUICKPLAY goal and rebounder is the perfect setup for those summer garden sessions between World Cup matches. And you don’t even need two to play, the rebounder sends the ball straight back - like a one-two with a training partner - so kids can work on technique without needing anyone else around. Clip a target ring to the corners of the goal and challenge them to strike for the top bins like a well struck Harry Kane penalty, they’ll be set for hours. 

Browse the QUICKPLAY goals collection and get set up before England kick off against Croatia on June 17.