England vs Croatia ratings: Kane & Madueke shine but issues at the back

England opened their 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia at the Dallas Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel's side scored twice in each half to get their in Group L campaign off to an impressive start.

Who caught the eye and whose place is maybe under threat going forward in the tournament?

Got a hand to Baturina's first equaliser, but the power of the strike was too much for the 'keeper, while he was helpless to prevent Musa from levelling again just before the break.

Important stop to keep out Pasalic's drive with a quarter of an hour to go when England led 3-2.

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Linked up dangerously down the right with Madueke in the first half, but could have been tighter on Perisic for Croatia's second goal on the stroke of half-time.

Was then moved into midfield when Spence was brought on.

Mix-up with Pickford led to early Croatia corner and out of position for Croatia's first goal, but overall a composed display at the back before being replaced late on by Guehi.

Lost Perisic for Croatia's second goal just before the break and there will be questions about an England back line that conceded two first-half goals.

Could be replaced by Guehi for the second Group L game with Ghana.

Wayward first-half ball put his skipper in trouble, before being turned for Croatia's first equaliser.

Spurned a glorious chance to head his side 4-2 ahead at start of second half, before seeing a close-range header clawed away by Livakovic.

Put in a series of biting challenges on his World Cup debut and was key to England's press.

78 - Possession won by England midfielders in the Thomas Tuchel era (since January 2025):78 - Elliot Anderson (735 mins)27 - Declan Rice (781 mins)24 - Morgan Rogers (711 mins)19 - Jude Bellingham (570 mins)Specialist. pic.twitter.com/g0EstKYppe

Lovely pass to release Bellingham for his side's third to start the second half to cap off an eye-catching 23-pass move and will be a key presence in front of the back four if England are to go deep in the tournament.

Consistently dangerous outswinging delivery from corners, including for Kane's second goal.

Unlucky not to score with a curling effort at start of second half, before surprisingly being hooked with 18 minutes to go as an injury precaution.

Positive run to the byline created England's first effort on goal for Kane in what was a sign of things to come in the first half from the Arsenal flyer, before being felled for the early penalty.

Hugely impressive attacking display down the right which will give Tuchel a selection headache going forward in the tournament when Saka returns to full fitness after an Achilles injury.

Important challenge in the box on Musa to help preserve England's early lead, before losing the ball in the lead-up to Croatia's first goal.

4 - Four of Jude Bellingham's seven England goals have been scored in major tournaments, the highest ratio of any player to score 5+ times for England in history (57%).Showcase. pic.twitter.com/6pt9KF1MIJ

Brilliant solo effort to restore his side's advantage again just after half-time, before almost immediately adding a second from long range as the Real Madrid playmaker grew into the contest.

Quiet display on the left wing from the new Barcelona flyer, who got the nod to start ahead of Rashford, but only because England largely favoured attacking down their right flank.

Close to heading his side 4-2 ahead with a close-range effort, before making way for the Manchester United forward after 72 minutes.

A man-of-the-match performance from the England captain, who kept his cool from the spot after seeing his initial penalty saved by Livakovic to give his side an early lead.

10 - Harry Kane has scored 10 FIFA World Cup goals, the joint-most of any England player, along with Gary Lineker.Summit. pic.twitter.com/hayeFWcSNh

The striker then headed in his 81st Three Lions goal to move level with Gary Lineker on 10 goals as his country's top World Cup scorer and the 32-year-old was even there at the end to make a goal-saving block with his midriff to prevent a certain Gvardiol goal.

5 - Harry Kane has now scored the most penalties (excl. shootouts) in FIFA World Cup history (5).Retake. pic.twitter.com/G1dHRvQaov

Introduced with 18 minutes remaining but made little impact.

Played a key role by setting up Rashford for England's late fourth after replacing Madueke on 72 minutes.

Close to adding a fourth just moments after coming on with Rogers and Saka, only to be denied by Livakovic, before showing great composure to add his side's final goal with just five minutes left to play, the forward's 19th for his country.

Could and should have scored his first England goal after entering the fray with 10 minutes to go, but faced with just the onrushing Livakovic to beat, the Spurs defender shot straight at the Croatia goalkeeper.

Late 87th-minute introduction in place of club-mate Stones and could start in England's second group game with Ghana.