England launch their FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday as captain Harry Kane urged his side to embrace the occasion, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to equal a World Cup appearance record when Portugal face the Democratic Republic of Congo.
England, among the pre-tournament favourites, begin their quest to win a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup when they take on 2018 runners-up Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Despite reaching the latter stages of several recent tournaments, England have fallen short of silverware, increasing expectations on a squad widely regarded as one of the strongest in the competition.
Kane said the players should approach the tournament with confidence and freedom rather than allowing the weight of history to become a burden.
“It is one of the best opportunities we have had as a team to win the World Cup,” Kane told reporters on Tuesday.
“Everyone is excited to get started and show what we are capable of. The message is to be free in the mind and enjoy the challenge ahead.”
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Ghana face Panama in Group L in Toronto, while World Cup debutants Uzbekistan take on Colombia at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca in Group K.
Much of the spotlight, however, will fall on Ronaldo, who is expected to captain Portugal against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston.
The 41-year-old forward is set to make history by appearing at his sixth World Cup, matching the record established by Argentina captain Lionel Messi just 24 hours earlier.
Messi delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament so far on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s victory and moving level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.
The Argentine also became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments, exactly two decades after his first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Messi’s display added another chapter to one of football’s greatest rivalries. Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated world football for nearly two decades, collecting 13 Ballon d’Or awards.
Portugal will be aiming to win the World Cup for the first time, with Ronaldo leading a squad packed with experience and attacking talent.
Defending world champions Argentina have once again emerged as one of the teams to beat, while France also made a strong start to their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France, underlining his status as one of the tournament favourites and setting up the possibility of another deep World Cup run for Didier Deschamps’ side.
With England beginning their campaign, Ronaldo chasing history and Messi already rewriting the record books, the World Cup is rapidly gathering momentum.
