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Chief football writer in DallasPublished22 minutes ago26 CommentsEngland's fans were carried out of the magnificent Dallas Stadium into the warm night air on a carpet of exhilaration after Thomas Tuchel's side delivered a powerful statement of intent.Harry Kane told his England team-mates to be "free in the mind" and embrace the pressures the World Cup brings – and they took him at his word for good and bad.England's opening 4-2 win against Croatia was a mixture of thrilling attacking football and worrying defensive frailty, but the smiles on the faces of supporters making their way away from this vast arena told another story.England have been a hard watch for much of the recent era, even when reaching the Euro 2024 final and World Cup quarter-final in Qatar four years ago. Those two tournaments were dry fare, despite England progressing deep into them only to eventually fall short.Sir Gareth Southgate's excellent record showed the ends justified much of the means, but it was rarely done in a style that moved you towards the edge of of your seat.Not here. Dull this was not - although admittedly not always in a way Tuchel would have enjoyed.This was a game you could not turn your gaze away from for a second, whether it was watching the cold fury of Tuchel in the first half, then an attacking siege in the second half which led to England's head coach falling into the arms of countryman Jurgen Klopp in the aftermath when he spotted him on the touchline working as a TV pundit.It was football on the edge and England's followers, judging by their reaction at the final whistle and afterwards, loved it.'Chip on shoulder' may help Bellingham to best formThe thought of world-class strikers being faced with the sort of slipshod defence we saw in Dallas, especially in the first half, will be a very sobering takeaway for Tuchel, who will know it was simply not good enough.The selection of Ezri Konsa ahead of Manchester City defender Marc Guehi was contentious. It is a debate that will continue as Aston Villa's defender did not make a compelling case for his continued inclusion.Tuchel could barely disguise his displeasure as England led twice through captain Kane, who equalled Gary Lineker's World Cup record of 10 goals for his country, only for poor defending to allow the ever-dangerous Croatia back into the game.Whatever Tuchel said, and it was unlikely to have been pleasantries, was the catalyst for an outstanding attacking display which saw Jude Bellingham restore England's lead moments after half-time.Croatia were then pinned back under a wave of attacks, particularly for one spell midway through the half, which they somehow survived until Marcus Rashford wrapped up the win late on.Tuchel's team selection was a tough one given the resources at his disposal, but selecting Bellingham ahead of Morgan Rogers – the tightest of calls as he admitted – and preserving Bukayo Saka's fitness by playing Noni Madueke worked.Bellingham was England's powerhouse with surging runs from midfield, exemplified by his goal when he left Mario Pasalic trailing before beating Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic.It was the moment the game turned as England – late out for the second half and clearly fuelled by a few verbals from Tuchel – instantly played with more urgency and intent having regained their advantage and the initiative.Madueke was lively throughout, winning an early penalty when he was quicker to the ball than the labouring Luke Modric. Kane, who now has a remarkable 81 goals in 115 internationals, saw an odd stuttering penalty saved - but won a reprieve when it was adjudged keeper Livakovic had strayed off his line.Kane was not passing up the second chance.England's performance had its flaws and it is too soon to get carried away – but future opponents will have viewed their attacking display with some trepidation.The context, however, is that too often England were founding wanting at the back. It might have to be a case of fighting fire with fire unless Tuchel can find a fix.England's win was also the product of positive thinking from Tuchel, who is clearly not going to try to end England's quest for a first men's success since the 1966 World Cup by hiding behind the door.Tuchel has not attempted to downplay expectations. "The second star on the shirt" has been his aim from day one. The German's attacking strategy means he is unlikely to be accused of the conservative approach that was constantly thrown at predecessor Southgate.And he backed his words with actions. Take Tuchel's changes after 72 minutes.No notes of caution as the attack-minded Rogers replaced the more defensively inclined Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford replaced Anthony Gordon and Saka replaced his Arsenal team-mate Madueke.England were 3-2 up at the time - but his changes were designed to extend that lead rather than merely preserve it."When we were sat there watching the game and I saw the three lads coming on, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers, I said 'I absolutely love these subs'," said ex-England forward Wayne Rooney, who was working as a pundit for BBC Sport."I loved how positive Thomas Tuchel was being because if you sit back and wait for Croatia to come on then it gets nervy. It's brave and shows he's trying to win the game. Then Djed Spence came on and all four involved in that [Rashford] goal, I think it's brilliant."Paul Robinson, the former England goalkeeper who will watch their games as a BBC Radio 5 Live pundit, agreed: "The way he made his subs was brave and bold. They came on and affected the game."The biggest thing I can take from this is that the players who came on gave Thomas Tuchel a real headache and that's the biggest thing for the manager."And former England keeper Joe Hart added: "He [Thomas Tuchel] said 'we're going to blow these out of the water'. We have the legs, we have the ability. He brought them on and it's so good for the squad for the bench to come on and impact like that."England's first steps in this World Cup were hesitant and uncertain – but when they hit their stride it brought to mind that word again.Tuchel knows winning the opening game is crucial to provide the platform for progress from Group L. Now they must lay further foundations against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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Jude Bellingham has said the external "noise" around his place in the England team may help him find his best form during the World Cup.One of the main talking points around selection before England's first group game against Croatia was whether boss Thomas Tuchel would select Real Madrid's Bellingham or Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.Bellingham was chosen to start in Dallas and scored England's crucial third goal just after half-time, with Marcus Rashford adding a fourth late on to complete a 4-2 win."For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my team-mates how committed I am to help us try to win football matches," the 22-year-old, who is appearing in a fourth consecutive major tournament for England, told BBC Sport."To contribute, to help my team and help my country is one of the biggest honours and regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn't change for me at all."Bellingham conceded that it has been a "bit of a tougher season for me", with the start of his 2025-26 campaign disrupted by injury, his club side in Spain ending up eight points behind eventual champions Barcelona and his place in the national team under scrutiny.But Bellingham said he feels "fresh and sharp" heading into the tournament and it was "nice to hear" comments from colleagues such as Jordan Henderson, who said the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund player gives England an "X-factor".Asked if he has entered the World Cup with added impetus, Bellingham smiled as he replied: "A little bit - I think I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, haven't I?"Kane and Bellingham star as England outshine Croatia in thriller'If we lose, we lose in our way' - what Tuchel said at half-time"I know that it's part of being a footballer and I don't hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it."Today, it was nice to try to show people and remind people what I'm about."Bellingham netted in England's World Cup opener against Iran in 2022 and repeated that feat in the 2026 tournament, collecting Elliot Anderson's pass down the right touchline and cutting infield before sliding a low shot past the Croatia goalkeeper into the far corner.It put England into the lead for the third time in the match, having twice surrendered a one-goal advantage in the first half.Working as a pundit for BBC Sport, former England defender Micah Richards said: "Bellingham is a big-game player."Rogers is fantastic as well, but in the moment where you needed him, he comes up trumps and that is the difference."Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameEverything you need to know about the World Cup

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The Mexican military has reportedly intercepted and brought down an unregistered drone seen flying over South Korea's training base before their World Cup match with co-hosts Mexico on Friday. South Korea are preparing for the Group A game at their training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the drone was spotted during Tuesday's training session - which prompted fears of spying.Manager Hong Myung-bo said at a news conference: "It ⁠did not impact ​us significantly, but while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing, so what happened was unfortunate."The ‌intervention was part of a security operation implemented ‌across World Cup host cities that involved the co-ordination of thousands of personnel and advanced technology.With both Mexico and South Korea opening their World Cup campaigns with three points, Friday's encounter could go a long way to deciding who tops the group.In 2024, Canada's women's team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before their opening match at the Paris Olympics.Head coach Bev Priestman was dismissed by Canada Soccer and two coaching staff members were suspended as the 2020 gold medallists were deducted six points.Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameEverything you need to know about the World Cup

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“Tuchel has given them an absolute rocket at half-time, they were blasted,” said Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on ITV. “It was a really good second half. Some of the things they did in the first 10 minutes of the second half were fantastic.”Ten minutes of football that could shape England's World Cup? That is how the start of the second half felt as Thomas Tuchel's England team announced themselves. "The team that we wanted to be was shown in the second half," said Jude Bellingham afterwards.Bellingham's 47th-minute goal began the onslaught that restored England's lead in their 4-2 win over Croatia. But Dominik Livakovic, the Croatia goalkeeper, made seven further saves in the dozen minutes that followed just to keep his side in it. All to no avail.It was carnage, really. There was a triple save to keep out Nico O'Reilly, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa before a double stop from Harry Kane. All that came in just 85 seconds. For context, most teams at this World Cup have not had five shots on target in total.In all, when O'Reilly's header that went wide was included, it was nine shots in 12 minutes. Eleven shots on target in the match, bettered only by Germany against Curacao so far. But this was Croatia. Second at the World Cup in 2018. Third in 2022. Utterly overwhelmed.47 – GOAL! Bellingham latches onto Anderson’s pass and races through to score 48 – SAVE! Bellingham goes close with an even better chance that Livakovic saves 49 – MISS! O’Reilly heads wide from a corner when left unmarked at the back post 52 – SAVE! Rice curls in a shot that is pushed wide for a corner by the busy Livakovic 56 – SAVE! O’Reilly gets this header on target but Livakovic is able to keep it out 56 – SAVE! Gordon is there to follow up, stooping to head but Livakovic is there 56 – SAVE! Konsa is close to forcing in the rebound but Livakovic manages to smother 57 – SAVE! Kane’s left-footed shot on the angle is struck hard and low but is saved 57 – SAVE! The ball comes back to Kane and he forces yet another save by LivakovicThere were shaky moments too, defensive concerns that will need to be addressed if England are to achieve their dreams this summer. There was a tentativeness to their first-half display. But the response suggests Thomas Tuchel knows just what is needed.His assistant Anthony Barry made that explicit in a surprisingly open interview with ITV at half-time. He talked of it being confused, of "fearful patterns" in their play and a "nervous energy" that had inhibited England. We have all seen that at major tournaments.What we have seen less of is the football that left Croatia in disarray immediately afterwards. "We saw that in the way we came out in the second half. We went full gas and they could not live with it," said Kane. That it worked should encourage this England team.Other teams have scored four goals and more already at this tournament. But those have been bagged against Paraguay and Curacao, Tunisia and Iraq. Doing it against Croatia is different and the intensity with which England played would worry anyone.Can they maintain that? Can they use it as a template, maybe even a turning point? There will be challenges in delivering that intensity. Undoubtedly, it will have helped that the stadium in Dallas was air-conditioned, the game played at optimum temperatures.In the heat of the day, it will be difficult. Against teams that can withstand England's pressing and their physicality rather better than the ageing Luka Modric, that high-tempo game might not be quite so effective. The power-plays may have to come in bursts.But the fact that England appear capable of it is massive.Crucially, Kane looks sharp. He scored the first two goals, a penalty and a header, and had seven shots in total. Tellingly, he was still tracking back to make tackles in stoppage-time, a clear indication that his fitness levels are where they need to be right now.Two summers ago, Kane endured a difficult tournament for England at Euro 2024. That campaign culminated in him being hooked for Ollie Watkins after an hour of the final, forced to watch from the bench as Gareth Southgate's reign played out against Spain."Physically, it has been a tough period for Harry," explained Southgate afterwards. "He came in short of games and did not quite get up to the level we had all hope. We felt Ollie's freshness would allow us to press a bit better and offer us a threat in behind."There is no doubt that this England system suits Kane better now. In the insipid showing against Slovakia, Kane had Phil Foden out of position on the wing. But the striker-cum-playmaker always looks more comfortable when he can drop deep and ping passes.Noni Madueke provided that outlet, receiving twice as many of Kane's passes as anyone else, including a beauty after a quarter of an hour. With Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka making an impact off the bench, there is the potential to rotate the wing options.But the key figures for England at this World Cup are obvious. "Jude Bellingham is the top player," said Neville. "He and Kane in attack are the difference." The job of the manager is to build a team that gets the best from them. Tuchel might be able to do it.And his half-time words in Dallas might just have persuaded his players that he has the answers too. Asked what was said in the dressing room during that break, Declan Rice said: "It was one of those moments when you are like, 'wow, what a great manager'."A long way to go, of course. But if England are to do something special at this World Cup then when the stories of that success are told, pivotal moments will be picked out. Half-time against Croatia and the performance that followed already feels like one of them.

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Thomas Tuchel was effusive in his praise of England captain Harry Kane and No 10 Jude Bellingham after the pair helped the Three Lions to victory in their World Cup opener with Croatia.Kane struck twice in the first half and Bellingham fired home early in the second before Marcus Rashford capped a 4-2 win in Dallas.Kane's double took him level with Gary Lineker as England's record World Cup goalscorer on 10 strikes but Tuchel pointed out a late block in his own box on a Josko Gvardiol shot summed up the striker's performance."If you see the commitment of our captain, of our No 9 in the extra time, to block a crucial shot after a set-piece with all his body and his commitment to buy into a defensive action like this then you know everything about his performance today," said Tuchel."A complete performance. Absolute leader. He's all in. Physically, mentally. It's the full package at the moment. He wants it and he leads by example, so we're very happy."After the best goalscoring season of his career, Kane was nailed on for a start in Texas but Bellingham had been in a running battle with his good friend Morgan Rogers to take on the attacking midfield role.In the end, while Tuchel admitted it was hard to leave out Rogers, Bellingham rose to the occasion as expected.Tuchel also made a point of noting Bellingham's teamwork, having previously been critical of the Real Madrid star."You can rely on Jude in these moments. He loves these pressure games. That brings out the best in him," said Tuchel.Jude Bellingham became the youngest European player in history to make an appearance at four different major tournaments (UEFA Euros/FIFA World Cup), aged 22 years and 353 days."It's an easy decision to let him play and trust him, also because of the last 17 days how he bought into the idea of team spirit, the idea of brotherhood and the idea of how we want to play football which is a slightly different position to his position in Real Madrid."The tough decision was to say to Morgan Rogers he will not start because he deserves 100 per cent to start and he did ever so well for us and me."Jude was very reliable and did his very best to be a top team player for us."We do this as a team. The team and every player is ready to do it as a team. We can just do it together as a group if we want to push it all the way and today was a very good first step."Tuchel also had a message for Rashford after his late goal, urging the winger to maintain his hunger.Rashford was rejuvenated on loan at Barcelona in the second half of the season but had scored just once for England in his past 15 appearances for his country until he came on as a sub for Anthony Gordon on Wednesday."Harry is in excellent shape. Jude is in excellent shape. Marcus is pushing and pushing and pushing and training on the highest level," said Tuchel when asked about his goalscorers."I'm very happy for [Rashford] that he got this relief and I hope he stays hungry for the next one and the next one because he was absolutely impressive through the last 17 days and really deserved his goal."Tuchel added: "We had a talk yesterday, where I told him I was very impressed with how he was in camp, how he pushes on the field."He's totally invested in every meeting, he's very fast in translating a meeting onto the pitch what we want tactically, he pushes on a respectful level with Anthony Gordon on the position."At the moment he's in a very good place."I was so happy he was the one to unlock this long spell where he was not decisive for us from within the game and hopefully he can keep this up."

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Munoz, 22, is part of Spain's World Cup squad - and it is understood that Liverpool have staff in the United States to conduct his medical.Newcastle were in talks to sign Munoz, after they sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool have won the race.Munoz will become Liverpool's first signing since Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot as head coach earlier this month.Pre-match, post-match and topical Reds contentListen on SoundsSubscribe and listen for everything you love about LiverpoolLatest Liverpool news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Liverpool - what do you want to know?

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The US star was on a ‘modified’ training schedule for the third day in a row after coming out at half-time in the opener. Other options must be consideredMauricio Pochettino now has the privilege of giving the new World Cup format a practical test.The Argentinian wisely played it safe at half-time of the United States’ 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay, pulling Christian Pulisic before his calf could be kicked any more. The attacking midfielder said after the match that he had taken similar punishment before, and he was optimistic he would be fit for the next match. As of Wednesday, he was still training away from his teammates and wearing a sleeve on his left calf.And so, Pochettino must weigh a question many have wondered since Fifa announced this would be the first World Cup with 48 teams. How much will teams gamble with players’ fitness after securing the three points many expect should be enough to ensure safe passage to the round of 32? The team’s strong performance against Paraguay has US fans thinking about the long game. But the Americans could find themselves on the end of some hefty challenges when they face an Australian team who have clearly been irritated by disparaging comments about the Socceroos in the US media. All this with control of Group D on the line too.All of this could be posturing, of course. Keeping Pulisic off to the side during training could invite the slightest bit of uncertainty into Australia’s preparations after such a decisive first US performance in their opener. It’s the World Cup, where the smallest of advantages must be found.But even so, such was the emphatic nature of their opening win that the United States may want to protect Pulisic from harm in their remaining group games. But it’s not as simple as that: there’s no like-for-like replacement for Pulisic.Gio Reyna last logged a 60-minute shift for club or country on 19 December 2025. But after his incredible late goal against Paraguay, one can’t rule out the possibility of a larger role against Australia.While he continues to struggle to establish himself at the club level, Reyna’s rare talent kept him in Pochettino’s rotation as the Argentinian tested alternatives in midfield. Reyna would help the US with ball retention – he has proven technical acumen in tight areas – and his incisive passing comes in handy against well-organized defensive structures.Reyna came off at half-time of the May friendly against Senegal, then entered as a substitute against Germany (30 minutes) and Paraguay (nine minutes). Reyna was originally expected to be a super-sub given his lack of time for his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach. But Pulisic’s injury and Reyna’s own heightened confidence could make him an option to start against Australia.Pochettino could still unleash Reyna against Australia after they’ve been adequately tired out by the industrious Brenden Aaronson. The 25-year-old was a key figure in Leeds’s return season to the Premier League, bringing tireless off-ball movement and pressing and steadily improving his end product. Still, it’s the stuff away from the box score that has endeared him to the coaches he has played under. Aaronson is the kind of player who makes the team around him a little bit better due to his thankless efforts.Then again, Aaronson hasn’t been a regular part of Pochettino’s teamsheets. No outfield player earned less time in March camp than Aaronson’s 11 minutes, while he logged just 18 against Germany and didn’t leave the bench against Paraguay. His lack of goals and assists for the US have been an issue, but he could open up more space for Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and others while tenderizing Australia’s defense.With Balogun now a priority for opponents to mark, Pulisic has relished having more time and space on the ball over the last three games as opponents drop deeper. Often, he’s now the US’s second-greatest scoring threat when everyone is available: a crucial second proven option to make opponents sweat their rotations in the final third. While Reyna’s worldie against Paraguay showcased his finishing chops, neither he nor Aaronson could replicate Pulisic’s threat in front of goal.It could be time for Tim Weah to return to the lineup. A versatile option who can play along the right flank, Weah also rose up the youth ranks as a center-forward and can credibly play a slightly wider interpretation of an attacking midfield role. The reality is that the US haven’t played identically in any consecutive games of the Pochettino era, both in terms of style and often of formation. The trick is to combine the right roles to put it all together in a roster with plenty of chemistry and movement.Weah thrived in a break behind Wales’s backline at the last World Cup, nimbly prodding home his team’s first goal in Qatar. It may require McKennie to shift to the left in that attacking midfield line, but getting Weah on the field adds another capable shooter to the mix.Pulisic’s presence and McKennie’s impact in a more advanced role has recently shunted Malik Tillman back a line. He’s made an incredible first impression despite little prior experience in central midfield, a key link in the US’s unbalanced midfield. Tillman played the joint second-most progressive passes (eight) and led the US with five balls played into the opponent’s box against Paraguay, per Futi, including his assist on Balogun’s second goal of the night.When the US last faced Australia, none of the four attacking midfielders listed above had an assist. Instead it was Cristian Roldan who scythed up the channel to provide Haji Wright with a pair of assists. For much of the last year, Pochettino has shown Sebastian Berhalter even greater trust to break lines. Berhalter is also the roster’s dead-ball specialist, another factor to consider, since Pulisic still takes the occasional set-piece.Tillman and McKennie could then operate in the advanced line in tandem while one of Berhalter or Roldan could help Tyler Adams in the engine room. In a game that could be hard-fought, that extra bit of midfield steel could go a long way toward staying in control of proceedings.

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Storming second-half display comes after coach’s speechCoach tells team to ‘show the world what we can be’Harry Kane has revealed that a half-time speech from Thomas Tuchel when he told England “to show the world what we can be” inspired victory in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.Croatia equalised twice before half-time after Kane had equalled Gary Lineker’s record for goals scored by an England player at the World Cup finals with a penalty and a header from Declan Rice’s corner. But a much-improved performance in the second half saw Jude Bellingham re-establish England’s lead before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to wrap up the victory late on.“He told us to take the shackles off, calm down and let’s go. He said what’s the worst that can happen? Show the world who we can be,” said Kane of Tuchel’s rousing speech.“We came out in the second half full gas and they couldn’t live with it, and that’s the level we have to set in every game. The way we controlled the game once we went ahead, we never really looked like we were in danger and then scored on the counterattack. We had a spell where we could have scored three or four. Credit to everyone: the first game of the tournament and a great result against a tough side.”Bellingham added: “It wasn’t one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed. We have a mature group with great leaders in there; everyone knew the level we had to get to. The start of the second half gave us a great platform.”There were concerns when Rice was taken off as a precaution in the second half and Tuchel said the Arsenal midfielder had felt discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring.“He feels discomfort. And I didn’t want to take any risks. So if I take Declan off, which I never wanted to do,” said Tuchel. “But it was the moment to protect him. I hope it’s nothing more. Declan just reassured me at the end. ‘It’s good, it’s good.’ I know the discomfort and we will take care of it.”The England manager also acknowledged that his players had shown signs of nerves despite going twice ahead but hopes that they will learn from the experience.“Sometimes if you want to get it so perfectly right, you sometimes want it too much and you overthink it,” he said. “In the end, in doubt, we took the decision to go backwards, on and off the ball. We played way too many [passes] backwards, we played way too many back to our goalkeeper. It took us a while to find our confidence. That’s why I said maybe it’s also normal. I had the hope that the goals would help us. It was not the case.”Reflecting on his half-time speech, Tuchel added: “I told them to calm down. We just conceded the goal. To calm down, calm their nerves. And encourage them to do it our way. I told them that my perception of them in the last 17 days will not change no matter what the result is. I want them to do it their way. Our way. I want them to be brave, courageous and tenacious on the front foot. And just go for it.”

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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.World Cup 2026 fixture schedule - your day-by-day guide2026 World Cup dates, venues and expanded formatLinked 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/g0EstKYppeLovely 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/6pt9KF1MIJBrilliant 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/hayeFWcSNhThe 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/G1dHRvQaovIntroduced 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.