{"id":36546,"date":"2026-06-18T07:34:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T07:34:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/18\/england-player-ratings-kane-and-bellingham-are-shining-but-three-5-10-stars-are-struggling\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T07:34:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T07:34:24","slug":"england-player-ratings-kane-and-bellingham-are-shining-but-three-5-10-stars-are-struggling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/18\/england-player-ratings-kane-and-bellingham-are-shining-but-three-5-10-stars-are-struggling\/","title":{"rendered":"England player ratings: Kane and Bellingham are shining, but three 5\/10 stars are struggling"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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.<\/h2>\n
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June 17, 2026 23:00<\/span>Updated June 18, 2026 00:23<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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England won the match by the scruff of Kane and Bellingham (Image: Francois Nel\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, manager Thomas Tuchel will be worried after the Three Lions trailed twice in the first half, including on the stroke of half-time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Petar Moussa equalized with a solo goal from Bellingham and a late goal from Rashford. Here’s how the players are rated in Dallas…<\/p>\n
jordan pickford 5<\/p>\n
He looked far below his best. He looked nervous with poor distribution and Tuchel didn’t look impressed.<\/p>\n
Reece James 5<\/p>\n
He was exposed defensively by Croatia’s movement and threat on the wings. A bad free kick.<\/p>\n
john stones 5<\/p>\n
It seemed miles away. That’s probably what comes with playing so little all season. Even the best ones need games.<\/p>\n
Ezri Konsa 6<\/p>\n
He struggled and was dragged out of position. England will definitely put Guehi back in defense next time.<\/p>\n
Nico O’Reilly 6<\/p>\n
We missed chances and we didn’t look very solid at the back either. It got better as the match progressed.<\/p>\n
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Harry Kane put England ahead from the spot (Image: The FA via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Elliot Anderson 7<\/p>\n
He and Rice took command in midfield and things got much better as the game went on.<\/p>\n
Declan Rice 6<\/p>\n
He assisted Harry Kane with a corner kick, but Croatia got around him too much.<\/p>\n
Noni Maduke 7<\/p>\n
He posed a threat with his speed and direct running. Earned a penalty. Wasted some cross chances. But it was okay.<\/p>\n
Jude Bellingham 8 – MOM<\/p>\n
oh. This was a performance and an unbelievable goal. He looked like a man on a mission.<\/p>\n
anthony gordon 6<\/p>\n
His best work was done with his defensive sense, as he missed big chances and didn’t create enough chances.<\/p>\n
harry kane 8<\/p>\n
Break landmarks and records with every goal. England’s Captain Marvel has delivered once again.<\/p>\n
sub<\/p>\n
Jed Spence 6, Morgan Rogers 6, Marcus Larford 7, Bukayo Saka 6, Mark Gehi N\/A<\/p>\n
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![\"Harry](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37312011.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_GettyImages-2282103011.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"harry](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37312040.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_England-v-Croatia-Group-L-FIFA-World-Cup-2026.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37252457.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Untitled-June-03-2026-at-091411-3jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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