Alan Shearer says Thomas Tuchel got one of his first major World Cup calls spot on as England sealed a statement win over Croatia. The Three Lions produced a dazzling attacking performance out in Dallas, scoring four goals in a 4-2 victory over 2018 runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists Croatia.
Kane Makes History
Harry Kane put England ahead inside 13 minutes, scoring a retaken penalty to equal Gary Lineker as the nation's top goalscorer at World Cups. A thunderous strike from Croatia's Martin Baturina briefly stunned England but they restored their advantage through Kane's thumping header.
Croatia Fight Back
Croatia were level again just before half-time, Petar Musa volleying past Jordan Pickford, but England asserted their dominance after the break. Jude Bellingham, picked in the No. 10 role ahead of Morgan Rogers, danced into the penalty box before producing a superb finish.
England then wasted a number of chances to put the game to bed before finally ending Croatia's resistance through substitute Marcus Rashford.
Shearer's Verdict
Tuchel's side were well worth the win despite a couple of shaky moments at the back and Shearer praised the manager's decision to start Bellingham despite calls for Rogers to be rewarded for his sensational season at Aston Villa.
'Well you can have the discussion – Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers – but the manager has made the right one because he has come up with something like that,' Shearer told BBC Sport after the Real Madrid star popped up with another crucial goal for England. 'He sees the spot, has a look there, knows where he wants to put it and guides it in there. It was a great finish and great start to the second half for England.'
More to follow…
