Harry Kane was in fine form as England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup 2026 Group L opener. The captain coolly slotted home a retaken penalty, while Dominik Livakovic made several stunning saves to keep the scoreline from running away from the visitors.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford (6) – Could have done better with Baturina’s goal but made a crucial late save to keep England ahead. Looked shaky at times.
Reece James (6) – At fault for losing his man for the second equaliser. Dangerous in attack but not so good defensively.
Ezri Konsa (6) – Struggled in the first half but improved after the break. His place could come under pressure from Marc Guéhi.
John Stones (6) – Looked rusty and made a nervy start. Improved as the game went on but needs minutes badly.
Nico O’Reilly (7) – Got forward at every opportunity and should have scored from a corner. A work in progress at the back.
Elliot Anderson (8) – Kept things ticking over nicely in midfield. Delivered an excellent ball to set up Bellingham’s goal.
Declan Rice (7) – Produced a pinpoint corner for Kane’s header. Not his usual dominant self in midfield, looking fatigued after a long season.
Noni Madueke (8) – Won England’s penalty and looked very dangerous down the right flank in place of Bukayo Saka.
Jude Bellingham (7) – Guilty of losing the ball in the buildup to Croatia’s first goal but made amends in style with a brilliant goal.
Anthony Gordon (6) – On the periphery for most of the first half and couldn’t make an impact despite his best efforts.
Harry Kane (9) – Played more like a quarterback than a striker at times but still equalled England’s World Cup finals scoring record.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 72) – Picked his spot brilliantly for his goal that even Livakovic couldn’t get near. 7
Morgan Rogers (for Rice 72) – Struggled in central midfield and looked far more comfortable further forward. Great ball to set up Spence. 6
Bukayo Saka (for Madueke 72) – A surprise to see him given injury concerns but played a part in Rashford’s clincher. 7
Djed Spence (for Bellingham 80) – Should have scored moments after coming on but was denied by Livakovic. 6
Marc Guéhi (for Stones 87) – A late introduction when the game was already won. 6
Croatia Player Ratings
Dominik Livakovic (9) – Off his line too early for the penalty but made some unbelievable stops to keep a rampant England at bay.
Josip Sutalo (5) – Didn’t know whether to track Kane when he dropped deep and was caught out on more than one occasion.
Luka Vuskovic (7) – The teenager lost sight of Kane for England’s second goal but Tottenham have a real prospect on their hands.
Josko Gvardiol (6) – The Manchester City defender had his hands full with Madueke.
Josip Stanisic (7) – A lively presence down the right flank for Croatia and often got the better of O’Reilly.
Luka Modric (7) – A surprise to see him give away an early penalty for fouling Madueke but still oozes class despite his advancing years.
Mario Pasalic (6) – Decent strike went just wide at the end of the first half but lost out in the midfield battle.
Ivan Perisic (7) – Such a clever header to set up the second equaliser. Has incredible energy for a 37-year-old.
Petar Sucic (7) – Brilliant assist for Baturina’s goal, missed a great chance late on after Pickford’s fumble.
Martin Baturina (7) – Took his goal brilliantly and the Como forward caused England problems with his direct approach.
Petar Musa (7) – The FC Dallas striker volleyed past Pickford with aplomb and was a real handful for England’s defenders.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic (for Modric 58) – Couldn’t wrestle back control other than for a five-minute period. 6
Marco Pasalic (for Vuskovic 66) – Almost equalised not long after coming on but was denied by Pickford. 6
Igor Matanovic (for Musa 66) – Could do nothing about Rashford’s goal after Croatia were carved open. 6
Nikola Vlasic (for Baturina 78) – Tried to inject some urgency into Croatia’s attack in the final stages. 6
Andrej Kramaric (for Mario Pasalic 79) – A real handful when he came on for the last 10 minutes but couldn’t find the equaliser. 7
