England 4-2 Croatia 2026 FIFA World Cup Review - Kane is able

I've never done a match review for a non-Crewe Alex game before, but I thought I'd dabble now, because why not? It's the summer, local L2/club news is drip feeding through, so I need something to scratch my itch. Looking back at every England game will do just fine. Hopefully this is the first of 8 games I get to review for England over the coming weeks. Let's get into it:

Main Men Show Up

There was a lot of focus on Harry Kane and his importance to the England team. And I mean A LOT! 2 years ago in Germany, he looked a shell of his normal self, lacking energy and drive. He managed just 3 goals across that tournament, which was fine, but not his usual standards. Well today he showed up in a big way.

Yes, his first penalty was a surprisingly poor one, but he was reprieved by the over eagerness of Croatia's keeper Dominik Livakovic and Man City defender Josko Gvardiol, with the former stepping off his line too quickly and the latter encroaching. Kane made no mistake with his 2nd attempt, powering home. He then rose like a salmon later in the first half to bag his 2nd and move him level with Gary Lineker for the most goals at the world cup for England with 10.

A lot of talk in the early stages of this tournament has been about the big names showing up. Mbappe, Messi, Haaland. Well, Kane put himself firmly in that conversation with an opening day brace.

Not to be forgotten about though was Jude Bellingham. He remains a divisie figure amongst England fans. Whilst I feel the majority appreciate his talent and game changing ability, he does frustrate some and I shared those concerns after he put in an extremely lack lustre first half.

However, he came out in the 2nd half energised and his powerful run and finish got England their 3rd lead of the game, one they wouldn't relinquish. He was a man transformed and I suspect any suggestions of starting Morgan Rodgers or discussions about whether Cole Palmer or Phil Foden should have been in the squad can be parked for the foreseeable future.

Let's also not forget about the key contributions of Rice for the 2nd goal, Anderson's gorgeous ball for Bellingham's goal and Kane and Rashford helping seal the game late on. There were a lot of standout performances tonight and that was very pleasing.

Chalk and Cheese

After watching the first half, you'd have been right to have serious concerns about England. They'd looked dangerous on the break, but a disaster at the back. Their defensive work on both the Croatia goals was woeful. This was always a concern for England fans, about the make up of the defensive selections. John Stones and Reece James are talented players, but they've struggled to play much club football in recent seasons due to injury issues. It showed as they, alongside Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly, looked like 4 individuals thrown together at the last minute. Which they were.

Questions will remain about their ability as a unit to help carry England deep into tournaments. How will they fare against the Brazil's, Argentina's and of course, France's and Spain's of the tournament?

However, after a wobbly first half, there clearly were some strong messages passed on at half time. Anthony Barry, England's assistant manager, cut a frustrated figure in his half time interview. Well, whatever he and Tuchel said to the players during the break, it clearly worked, as England came out strong. They got the third goal and should have had a 4th and 5th before the hour as great chances from O'Reilly(x2), Gordon and Kane all went begging. However, if that was England at it's peak, then they'll be a force to be reckoned with.

Respect the opposition

Whilst we are quick to poke holes in the performance, it's easy to forget that they are playing a side who are ranked 11th in the world. Forget their poor Euros' performances, they are beasts at the World Cup. Runners up in 2018, a third place in 2022. Yes, Modric and Perisic are clearly declining and not the players they were, but this Croatia side is one that doesn't conceded often and knows how to grind out results.

They hadn't conceded 4 in a 90 minute game since September 2020, where they lost 4-2 to France in the Nations League. They are a tough and wily opponent who most likely will get through the group in 2nd place. It's no disgrace to get slightly rocked by a strong opponent such as them.

Now, encounter similar issues against Ghana or Panama and my concern will rise. But a few hiccups against a decent side is nothing to be too alarmed about.

Tactical Decisions

I loved Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager, but a good tactitican he was not. He relied on creating a strong squad ethos, not on his ability to change a game. Well, game 1 into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup reign with England and he's already ahead in that regard. His message to the players at half time clearly worked. As did his tactical decisions with his subs. Initially, withdrawing Declan Rice and putting Bellingham back into midfield seemed an odd one. As did moving James in there and putting Djed Spence at RB.

But they worked. Saka and Rashford is some serious depth from the bench and they combined for the 4th goal. Spence was also lively and was unfortunate not to score after an incredible run from deep. A lot of talk has been about Tuchel's decision not to take the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer to this tournament. But one game in and his bold calls seem to be paying off.

Obviously there will be tougher tests to come once the knockouts arrive and the pressure of win or go home football kick in. But whilst this wasn't perfect from England, it was an entertaining and pleasing on the eye display and result which gives me optimism going forward. Roll on Ghana next Tuesday!

Referee Rating - 7

Monsieur Turpin was mostly fine. He kept his cards in his pockets, got most of the big decisions right. The only slight knock was his quickness to pull up soft fouls, but that is par the course for European refs.

Management Rating - 8

Plenty for Tuchel and his team to chew over, but after sitting and waiting for almost a week to have their turn to play at this World Cup, they delivered. A good start.

Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 6

Could he have done better with Croatia's first? Probably not, but replays show it wasn't directly in the corner and he got a hand to it. Some of his kicks were too strong and he punched a bit too often when he could have caught. Not a bad game, but not his best either.

Reece James - 6

There were some promising flashes from him down the right as he and Madueke looked to exploit the space given to them. Still, he was all at sea for the 2 goals against, so he doesn't get a high mark for that reason.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Same for Konsa. He settled down in the 2nd half, but both he and Stones have Marc Guehi breathing down their necks chasing game time, so he needs to improve going forward.

John Stones - 6

I get him being rusty, but he's been given a big opportunity over the likes of Guehi and the not selected Harry Maguire. He too needs to up his game.

Nico O'Reilly - 7

Limited attack wise in the first half, he was much better in the 2nd. That being said, he should have scored with his free header at the far post. Still, given he's only 21 and winning his 6th England cap, plus making his World Cup debut, he did fine.

Declan Rice - 7

There were a few mistakes and times where I'd have liked him to show for the ball a bit quicker when the defence were under pressure, but his set pieces were excellent. Hopefully his withdrawal in the 2nd half was precaution rather than him feeling something. They need both him and Anderson fit.

Elliott Anderson - 7

Talking of the Forest man, I think he too improved as the game went on. He was all over the pitch, taking up both the number 6 and number 8 roles at times. I was impressed by his engine, but keeping him fresh is going to be vital.

Noni Madueke - 6

He gave England a lot of pace down the right hand side and he was able to stretch defences. But as is the case at club level, I found his end produce frustratingly inconsistent. Let's be honest here, if Saka was fit, he would be starting. I need to see more from Madueke.

Jude Bellingham - 7

It was a 5 for his first half, an 8 for his 2nd. So I'll split the difference but go ever so slightly towards generous and give him a 7. His goal wasn't a clean strike, but it was an important one so soon after half time. He was a man transformed in the 2nd half, so hopefully that and his goal give him the confidence to kick on and become one of the standout names at this tournament.

Anthony Gordon - 5

Probably England's weakest player. He only came close in an attacking sense once, in the 2nd half where his close range header was straight at the keeper. Aside from that, I wasn't massively impressed. With Rashford's goalscoring cameo from the bench, the new Barcelona man can count himself fortunate should he start against against Ghana.

Harry Kane - 9 MOTM

What a display. Yes, the first penalty was poor, but he made up for it with a much better 2nd and bullet header later on. He even made a crucial block late on to deny Croatia a 3rd. He was excellent, even if I didn't like how deep he dropped when England took their foot off the gas.

Subs:

Morgan Rogers - 5

Given the impact of Saka and Rashford, we could have done with seeing a bit more from Rogers. I suspect he'll remain on the bench going forward.

Bukayo Saka - 7

It's a shame he's hobbled by an achilles issue, as his appearance off the bench gave England a much needed energy boost. He was lively and pounced on a loose ball to feed Rashford for the game sealing 4th. A good appearance all things considered.

Marcus Rashford - 7

Perhaps slightly harsh to not start him, he's given Tuchel a real selection dilemma now as he is pushing Gordon hard for that LW spot.

Djed Spence - N/A

He was really lively and was unlucky not to score. I wouldn't be in a rush to start him, but I thought he got up to speed quickly.

Marc Guehi - N/A

Not much chance to do anything in the few minutes he was on.

Overall Verdict

Given the doubts and question marks and insane pressure the England team were carrying coming into this World Cup, this was an excellent response. It wasn't perfect and they'll need to keep pushing in their next 2 games, but they've started with a win and that's all that matters.