England begins their quest to win a trophy after 60 years when they face Croatia in their World Cup opener on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record-equalling sixth tournament.
The Portuguese superstar, aged 41, has a tough challenge ahead. His long-time rival Lionel Messi scored an amazing hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday. This performance helped Messi equal the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, proving that age is just a number for him at 38.
Together, Ronaldo and Messi have won the Ballon d’Or award, given to the world’s best player, 13 times.
Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston. He will captain a talented Portuguese team aiming to win football's biggest prize for the first time.
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane has urged his teammates to “go for it” and be “free in the mind” when they take on the 2018 runners-up, Croatia. They will play at the large AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Kane’s team is one of the favorites for the World Cup. They have faced several close calls in recent tournaments but carry the heavy weight of history. England last won the World Cup on home soil in 1966.
“For sure it’s one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it,” Kane said on Tuesday.
“I think everyone is eager to just start well tomorrow and prove that we have the capabilities of going far in this tournament.
“Ultimately, for me, the message is just to be free in the mind.”
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