England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L, overcoming a shaky first-half display to secure all three points in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane led the way with a brilliant brace, while Jude Bellingham struck immediately after the restart and Marcus Rashford added a late fourth goal to seal the win. Croatia proved difficult opponents and twice fought back through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but Thomas Tuchel's side eventually showed their superior quality in attack despite lingering defensive concerns.
England Player Ratings vs Croatia
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
Reece James– 6/10
John Stones – 6/10
Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Nico O'Reilly– 6/10
Declan Rice – 7.5/10
Elliot Anderson - 7.5/10
Jude Bellingham – 8/10
Noni Madueke – 7/10
Anthony Gordon – 6/10
Harry Kane – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
Substitutes
Morgan Rogers – 6/10
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Djed Spence - 5/10
Marc Guehi - Nil
Curtis Jones – 6/10
Marc Guéhi – 6/10
Croatia Player Ratings vs England
Dominik Livaković – 7/10
Luka Vuskovic – 6/10
Joško Gvardiol – 6/10
Josip Sutalo – 6/10
Ivan Perisic – 7/10
Luka Modrić – 6/10
Mario Pasalic – 6/10
Josip Stanišić – 6/10
Martin Baturina – 7/10
Petar Sucic – 7/10
Petar Musa – 7/10
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic - 6/10
Marco Pašalić – 6/10
Igor Matanovic - 5/10
Andrej Kramaric - Nil
Nikola Vlasic - Nil
Croatia will look to bounce back when they face Panama in their second Group L fixture, while England take on Ghana in a clash that could decide top spot in the group. The Three Lions will be encouraged by their attacking firepower after scoring four goals, but Tuchel will know that defensive improvements are needed ahead of sterner tests later in the tournament. Croatia, meanwhile, showed enough attacking threat to suggest they remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stages.
