England 4-2 Croatia: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were at the forefront to give the Three Lions a winning start, but there were concerns at the other end of the pitch.
England won the match by the scruff of Kane and Bellingham (Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham dominated by the scruff of their necks, ensuring England got off to a winning start in their opening World Cup game despite some shaky defending.
Kane scored two goals, including a dramatic penalty recovery, Bellingham produced a fine individual effort just after half-time and Mars Rashford’s goal late on sealed the win.
However, manager Thomas Tuchel will be worried after the Three Lions trailed twice in the first half, including on the stroke of half-time.
Luka Modric brought down Noni Madueke in the box and Kane opened the scoring. The Bayern Munich striker’s spot-kick was saved, but the goalkeeper went off his line and he took it back.
Martin Baturina’s brilliant equalizer was followed by Kane, who doubled his tally with a bullet header from a Declan Rice corner, taking him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals and the most for his country with four.
Petar Moussa equalized with a solo goal from Bellingham and a late goal from Rashford. Here’s how the players are rated in Dallas…
jordan pickford 5
He looked far below his best. He looked nervous with poor distribution and Tuchel didn’t look impressed.
Reece James 5
He was exposed defensively by Croatia’s movement and threat on the wings. A bad free kick.
john stones 5
It seemed miles away. That’s probably what comes with playing so little all season. Even the best ones need games.
Ezri Konsa 6
He struggled and was dragged out of position. England will definitely put Guehi back in defense next time.
Nico O’Reilly 6
We missed chances and we didn’t look very solid at the back either. It got better as the match progressed.
Harry Kane put England ahead from the spot (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson 7
He and Rice took command in midfield and things got much better as the game went on.
Declan Rice 6
He assisted Harry Kane with a corner kick, but Croatia got around him too much.
Noni Maduke 7
He posed a threat with his speed and direct running. Earned a penalty. Wasted some cross chances. But it was okay.
Jude Bellingham 8 – MOM
oh. This was a performance and an unbelievable goal. He looked like a man on a mission.
anthony gordon 6
His best work was done with his defensive sense, as he missed big chances and didn’t create enough chances.
harry kane 8
Break landmarks and records with every goal. England’s Captain Marvel has delivered once again.
sub
Jed Spence 6, Morgan Rogers 6, Marcus Larford 7, Bukayo Saka 6, Mark Gehi N/A
Croatia (3-4-2-1): Livaković 8; Staro 6, Vusković 6 (Marko Pasalic, 67), Gvardior 7. Stanisic 6, Modric 6 (Kovacic, 58), Susic 6, Perisic 7. Mario Pasalic 6 (Kramarić 79), Baturina 6 (Vlasić 78). Musa 7 (Matanovic, 66)
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