England were foot-perfect in qualifying for the World Cup but their opening match in North America will be one of their toughest since Thomas Tuchel took the reins. Croatia are seasoned finals performers and beat the Three Lions in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, before finishing third in Qatar four years ago.
Rice's pin-point deliveries from set-pieces were one of the reasons for Arsenal's Premier League success this season and he also weighed in with some exceptional goals from direct free-kicks. With things expected to be tight at the AT&T Stadium, Rice's expertise at dead-ball situations could be the gamebreaker.
England are well fancied to go far in their quest for a second World Cup triumph but Croatia will be tough opening opponents for the Three Lions. The Croats are seasoned finals performers and reached the final in 2018, when they beat England in the semis, and the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
Saka was model of consistency as far as his shooting was concerned this season, steering 72% of his efforts on target. Never one to pass up the chance to take a pop of goal, Saka can test the reflexes of Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic.
England will want Bellingham to provide them with moments of magic going forwards but he can fall foul of the ref at time. Bellingham committed at least one foul in 27 of his 32 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season.
The Manchester City man is the key cog in Croatia's defensive structure but he can at times overstep the mark. Gvardiol will be kept busy by Harry Kane, who relishes a physical battle, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon also love to attack through the middle.
Rice's expertise at dead-ball situations helped power Arsenal to the Premier League title and England's big men could also profit against a Croatia side who can overpowered in the air.
