When Tripps scored that free-kick against Croatia it was an amazing feeling, but we just couldn't get the second goal to kill the game' Jordan Pickford on England's 2018 heartbreak

England’s 2018 World Cup run ended in extra-time semi-final defeat to Croatia, extending a trophy drought. Jordan Pickford, now an experienced England goalkeeper, enters the upcoming tournament as a veteran and will play his fifth trophy campaign. He set a record for England goalkeeper tournament appearances at Euro 2024 with 26 appearances. England’s Group L opponents are Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Pickford expects every match to be difficult but believes England can progress from the group stage by winning and building momentum. The July 17 Croatia rematch is a key focus after the earlier 2018 meeting at Luzhniki Stadium, where England led early through Kieran Trippier and later conceded to Ivan Perisic.

"For the first time since 1990, England found themselves 90 minutes away from the World Cup final when they took on Croatia in Moscow. A 2-1 extra-time defeat put paid to the nation's hopes of ending a trophy drought that is now into its sixth decade, and as England finalise their preparations for this summer's tournament in North America, they will be facing a familiar face in the group stage."

"The Everton stopper broke the record for the number of tournament appearances by an England goalkeeper during Euro 2024, having turned out 26 times in a major competition and will be one of Thomas Tuchel's most trusted lieutenants this summer. Mario Mandzukic fires his extra-time winner past Jordan Pickford (Image credit: Aaron Chown) Croatia will be England's opening opponent in Group L this summer, which will be followed by clashes against Ghana and Panama."

"Pickford confident that his side can progress through to the knockout stages with the minimum of fuss. Of course, Pickford tells FourFourTwo. We go there looking to win every game and build momentum in the group stage. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Every team we play is there on merit, so we know every match is likely to be tough, but we have to be at our best every time we play."

"But it is that Croatia rematch on July 17 that especially catches the eye in the lead-up to the tournament. Gareth Southgate's side took the lead after just five minutes at the Luzhniki Stadium when the two sides clashed in 2018 thanks to a Kieran Trippier free-kick, only to be pegged back with 20 minutes to go when Ivan Perisic levelled to"

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