Croatia’s Caleta-Carr heaps praise on England’s Harry Kane ahead of World Cup opener
Croatia are ready to face ‘master of the game’ Harry Kane in Wednesday’s World Cup opener against England, according to defender Duje Caleta-Car.
Thomas Tuchel’s men finally kick off Group L against the side that broke the nation’s heart in the 2018 semi-finals in Russia.
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England went on to beat Croatia at the beginning of their run to the European Championship final three years later, when sharpshooter Kane left a lasting impression on Zlatko Dalic’s side.
Master of the game
“Kane impressed me in our match against England at the European Championship, even though he did not score,” defender Caleta-Car said.
“His movement and positioning, you can clearly see he is a master of the game and knows exactly what he’s doing,” he told Sky Sports.
This comes after a full-strength English side stepped up preparations for their World Cup opener.
England’s preparations and setbacks
All 26 players in Thomas Tuchel’s squad trained in hot conditions at their Swope Soccer Village base on Sunday, days after the team recovered stolen equipment from the Friday robbery case.
Ahead of their opener, Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that his side should be considered among the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Three Lions must earn that recognition after a long wait for global success.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the gaffer urged caution over expectations surrounding his team. His comments came after England’s narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand in their previous warm-up match.
“How many favorites are there?” replied Tuchel when asked if England was among the teams tipped to win the tournament.
“We’re not the top favourites. We can’t be because we haven’t won it for so many years. There are proven winners in the tournament with more success,” he stated.
