Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham took the game by the scruff of the neck to ensure England would make a winning start to their World Cup campaign despite some shaky defending.
Match Overview
Kane struck twice, including a dramatic retaken penalty, before Bellingham's superb individual effort just after half-time and a late Marcus Rashford goal sealed the win. But the Three Lions were twice pegged back in the first half, including on the stroke of the break, which will worry Thomas Tuchel.
Kane opened the scoring after Luka Modric felled Noni Madueke in the box. The Bayern Munich striker's spot kick was saved, but the goalkeeper was off his line and he scored the retake. Martin Baturina levelled superbly before Kane doubled his tally with a bullet header from Declan Rice's corner to move level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals - the most for his country. Petar Musa levelled before Bellingham's solo goal and Rashford's late strike.
Player Ratings
- Jordan Pickford 5 - He looked way below his best. He set a nervous tone with some poor distribution and Tuchel did not look impressed.
- Reece James 5 - He was exposed defensively by Croatia's movement and threat down the flank. Poor free kick.
- John Stones 5 - Looked miles off it. That is probably what you get from barely playing all season. Even the best need games.
- Ezri Konsa 6 - He struggled and was pulled out of position. England will surely put Guehi back into defence next time.
- Nico O'Reilly 6 - Missed a chance and also did not look very solid at the back. Got better as the game wore on.
- Elliot Anderson 7 - Got much better as the game wore on as he and Rice took charge in midfield.
- Declan Rice 6 - He provided an assist with his corner for Harry Kane to score but Croatia played round him too much.
- Noni Madueke 7 - He caused a threat with his pace and direct running. Won a penalty. Wasted a few crossing opportunities. But did OK.
- Jude Bellingham 8 - MOM - Wow. This was some performance - and an incredible goal. He looked a man on a mission.
- Anthony Gordon 6 - His best work was done from a defensive sense because he missed a big chance and did not create enough.
- Harry Kane 8 - Breaking landmarks and records with every goal. England's Captain Marvel delivered again.
Substitutes
Djed Spence 6, Morgan Rogers 6, Marcus Rashford 7, Bukayo Saka 6, Marc Guehi N/A
Croatia Ratings
Croatia (3-4-2-1): Livakovic 8; Sutalo 6, Vuskovic 6 (Pasalic, 67), Gvardiol 7; Stanisic 6, Modric 6 (Kovacic, 58), Sucic 6, Perisic 7; Pasalic 6, Baturina 6; Musa 7 (Matanovic, 66)
