Musa is said to arrive after scoring 12 goals in 13 MLS matches for FC Dallas during the 2026 season. His club’s Toyota Stadium is also only 39 miles from the AT&T Stadium, adding a local familiarity factor before Croatia’s opening match.
Kramaric remains the more established international figure. He reportedly finished the latest Hoffenheim season with 23 goal contributions and is Croatia’s third-highest scorer in men’s football. Leaving him on the bench would therefore represent a tactical call, not a loss of status.
The expected Croatian structure would place Musa ahead of a creative group led by Martin Baturina and Luka Modric. Modric, despite being in his 40s, is still expected to start and would provide control in a fixture likely to be decided by midfield composure.
Mateo Kovacic should add ball progression, while Ivan Perisic offers experience from the flank. The report notes that Perisic is one of only three players, alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, to score and assist at each of the last three World Cups.
Behind them, Dominik Livakovic is expected to keep goal, with Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic and Josko Gvardiol forming a youthful defensive core. That combination would place the biggest responsibility on Croatia’s senior midfielders to manage England’s pressure.
The striker decision will remain the clearest pre-match storyline. If Musa starts, his early movement and current scoring run will be tested against England’s defensive organisation; if Kramaric leads the line, Croatia would prioritise proven international know-how. The confirmed team sheet will reveal which calculation Zlatko Dalic trusts for the opener.