England’s World Cup campaign burst into life under the Texan heat as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia 4-2. It was a wild, breathless opener in Dallas which delivered the one thing England needed most — a winning start.
Harry Kane set the tone with two first‑half goals, underlining once again how central he remains to England’s hopes. His opener came from the spot after Luka Modric clipped Noni Madueke. The first penalty was saved, but Dominik Livakovic strayed off his line and Josko Gvardiol encroached, forcing a retake. Kane made no mistake second time around.
Croatia refused to wilt. Martin Baturina smashed in an equaliser from the edge of the box after John Stones slipped, a reminder of England’s defensive jitters. But Kane restored the lead with a trademark header from Declan Rice’s corner.
Just when England thought they’d settled, Croatia struck again. Ivan Perisic nodded down a chipped pass and Petar Musa finished it from close range — Tuchel’s face said it all.
Bellingham takes control
If the first half was frantic, the second half was full throttle for England. Jude Bellingham seized the moment almost immediately after the restart, driving down the right, cutting inside and drilling a low finish into the far corner. It was the spark England needed, and the moment Croatia began to unravel.
England racked up 22 shots by full-time, swarming forward with an intensity that Croatia simply couldn’t contain. Livakovic produced a string of superb saves to keep the scoreline respectable, denying Nico O’Reilly, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa in quick succession from a corner.
Tuchel’s side were relentless, and the pressure finally told again late on. Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, combined sharply with Marcus Rashford, who swept in England’s fourth to seal the win and reflect the dominance of the second half.
Tuchel’s mixed emotions
England’s first half lacked bravery, but the reaction after the break was brilliant. The shift in tempo, the aggression, the willingness to play forward, all of it pointed to a team embracing a new identity under new management.
There will be concerns, of course. Stones and Konsa looked vulnerable, and Croatia’s goals exposed England’s tendency to drop too deep and loose structure. But the attacking tempo, with Bellingham, Madueke and Kane at the heart of it, offered a glimpse of an edge we have not seen from England in recent tournaments.
Kane equals Lineker
Kane’s double moved him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, a milestone that felt inevitable but still significant. He remains England’s anchor, their organiser, their finisher. Even in a game as frantic as this, he brought clarity.
Bellingham and Kane are the difference-makers. England’s ceiling rises when they’re in full flow.
High quality and a platform to build on
This wasn’t the controlled, cagey or measured England of past tournaments. It was something far more aggressive, and far more entertaining. Tuchel will hate the openness, but he’ll love the ambition. England played like a team determined to impose themselves, not contain.
Croatia made them work for it, but England’s firepower ultimately overwhelmed them. With Ghana up next, the Three Lions top Group L and carry momentum into a tournament that already feels different.
A flawed performance, yes. But a significant one. A statement of intent. And a reminder that when England lean into their attacking talent, they can be irresistible.
Featured image via the Canary
By Faz Ali
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