England finished top of Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama, while Croatia secured direct qualification for the Round of 32 with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the other final group fixture.
England entered their final group match needing a win to remove any late uncertainty around top spot, but their first half against already-eliminated Panama was far from convincing.
The breakthrough eventually came in the second half through Jude Bellingham, who opened the scoring in the 62nd minute with a clever finish from a set-piece situation.
Croatia edge Ghana in decisive Group L battle, forcing their way into the top two with a 2-1 win.
England will now wait for the final third-place allocation to know their Round of 32 opponent, while Croatia are set for a knockout tie against the runners-up from Group K.
