England will begin their World Cup campaign tonight against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a venue known for its distinctive, futuristic design that has earned it the nickname “Death Star.” The stadium, home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, opened in 2009 and features a massive retractable roof. Its vast size means the Statue of Liberty, which stands 93 meters tall, could fit inside the arena.

The match, set to kick off at 3 p.m. local time, will benefit from the stadium's air-conditioned environment, shielding players from the intense heat typical of the region. This controlled climate is expected to offer favorable conditions, especially compared to the challenges posed by natural elements. The timing of the game also mitigates issues with the setting sun, a concern previously noted by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who cited glare through the stadium’s glass at certain times of the day as a distraction.

Originally accommodating around 90,000 spectators for NFL events, the AT&T Stadium’s capacity has been reduced by 20,000 seats for the World Cup, operating as an all-seater venue. It will host a total of nine matches during the tournament, including one of the semi-finals. The stadium underwent more than £200 million in renovations ahead of the World Cup to enhance the experience for players and fans alike.

England winger Noni Madueke welcomed the stadium’s indoor environment, drawing parallels to the Atlanta Stadium, which also has a roof. He remarked that playing in a climate-controlled venue “suits us probably” and should provide comfortable conditions for both teams.

Madueke also reflected on the timing of England’s opening fixture, which comes shortly after Arsenal’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30. Speaking to talkSPORT, he highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum after a tough defeat, pointing out that having another competitive match so soon offers the team a valuable chance to regroup and bounce back.