Neville warns England's back four cannot afford nervous start against Croatia in World Cup opener

Gary Neville has cautioned that England’s defence must deliver a composed performance from the first whistle when they open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, warning the back four cannot afford a “nervous start” in Group L.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Manchester United and England full-back — who appeared at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups — said the defensive unit’s collective organisation is the area he is watching most closely. “I think it’s so important that that back four starts with a good performance,” Neville said. “We can’t afford a nervous start for that back four, but they’ve got to get off the grid. They’re a back four who are talented. One on one, you put them up against most, I think they could defend one on one against most, but as a unit, that, to me, is where all my eyes are on Wednesday.”

Neville also stressed the importance of Elliott Anderson and Declan Rice shielding the defence, ensuring the back four are not left exposed by the midfield.

Thomas Tuchel faces some uncertainty at centre-back, with John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi competing for two starting berths. Stones and Konsa appear set to be selected, leaving Guehi — a regular at Manchester City since his January move from Crystal Palace — to begin on the bench. At full-back, Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are expected to start.

England’s defensive options were further stretched on Tuesday when Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament through injury. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement, with Tuchel again overlooking Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall. The squad now contains just three recognised full-backs in James, O’Reilly and Djed Spence, who can cover both flanks, while Konsa, Chalobah and Dan Burn offer additional cover in wider defensive positions.

Croatia, who reached the 2018 World Cup final, represent a stern first test for a defence that Neville believes has the individual quality to cope — provided it functions as a cohesive unit from the outset.