England set for opening World Cup clash tonight as Channel Islands fans gear up for Croatia test

World Cup fever is sweeping across the Channel Islands today, with attention firmly fixed on England’s opening match against Croatia this evening.

While the tournament’s early action begins at 6pm with Portugal facing DR Congo, anticipation is building for England’s first outing at 9pm, when they take on Croatia in a highly anticipated Group Stage encounter.

England head into the competition chasing their first major tournament triumph since the 1966 World Cup, with many fans hopeful that manager Thomas Tuchel’s more balanced, team-focused approach can deliver a strong start. Portugal, meanwhile, are also in action earlier in the day and will be looking to recapture the success of their 2016 European Championship win.

Among supporters in the Channel Islands, optimism is mixed but engagement is high. One England fan said they were “confident” in the squad’s new direction under Tuchel, praising a shift away from reliance on individual star names. Others were more cautious, with one supporter saying they would be “very surprised” to see England win their opener.

Fantasy football is also adding to the excitement, with some fans already selecting key players such as Harry Kane as captain in anticipation of opening-night points.

In Jersey and Guernsey, pubs are preparing for a busy evening, with some granted permission to extend opening hours for selected fixtures. The Lamplighter publican Sean Murphy said the tournament creates logistical challenges for smaller venues, but added that atmosphere during matches has generally been positive and well-behaved.

Police in both islands have urged supporters to enjoy the tournament responsibly and to respect fellow fans, reinforcing messages about appropriate behaviour in public viewing areas. The reminder follows recent banning orders issued after disorder at last month’s Muratti Vase final.