Match Overview
England got their World Cup 2026 campaign off to a flying start with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. In a see-saw Group L contest, Harry Kane's double and a second-half masterclass from Jude Bellingham ultimately overpowered a spirited Croatian side, but the match exposed serious defensive frailties for Thomas Tuchel's men. Ezri Konsa, in particular, endured a torrid evening as England repeatedly gave up cheap goals, ensuring a nervy finale before late strikes put the game to bed.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
No chance with either goal. Commanded his box well and distributed accurately under pressure.
Kyle Walker – 5/10
Caught out of position for Croatia's opener and offered little going forward. An unusually shaky performance.
John Stones – 6/10
Better than his partner but still part of a backline that looked jittery all night. Made a crucial block late on.
Ezri Konsa – 4/10
After a bright start, his positional sense deserted him. Lost Musa for the equaliser and was repeatedly exposed. A night to forget.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Provided width on the left and defended reasonably well, though he wasn't always protected by those ahead of him.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Sat deep and swept up danger with his usual efficiency. His passing range was key to England's transitions.
Jude Bellingham – 9/10 (Star Man)
The heartbeat of the side, Bellingham drove forward relentlessly, scored a superb second-half goal, and dictated the tempo. A world-class performance.
Phil Foden – 8/10
Quiet in the first half but came alive after the break, teeing up Bellingham's goal and adding a late fourth with a sublime finish.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
A constant menace on the right wing. Drew the foul that led to Kane's retaken penalty and caused chaos with his dribbling.
Jack Grealish – 6/10
Drifted in and out of the game. Won several free-kicks but lacked end product in the final third.
Harry Kane – 8/10
Led from the front. Converted a retaken penalty with ice-cool composure and nodded home Rice's corner to equal Gary Lineker as England’s all-time World Cup top scorer.
Croatia Player Ratings
Dominik Livakovic – 5/10
Couldn't be blamed for the goals but was beaten too easily at his near post for Foden's strike. A shaky presence.
Josip Juranovic – 5/10
Struggled to contain Saka and offered little going forward. Booked for a cynical foul.
Josip Sutalo – 6/10
The more composed of the two centre-halves. Made some important clearances in a frantic contest.
Josko Gvardiol – 6/10
Showed his quality in patches but was occasionally exposed by England's movement. Couldn't organise a defence that leaked four goals.
Borna Sosa – 5/10
Failed to track Foden's run for the decisive third goal. Overwhelmed by England's pace.
Luka Modric – 6/10
Still the creative fulcrum, but age is catching up. Faded as the game wore on and could not influence the result.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6/10
Worked hard to shield the defence but was bypassed too often in the second half.
Martin Baturina – 7/10
Scored a well-taken goal and was lively throughout. One of the few Croatia players who looked like making things happen.
Andrej Kramaric – 5/10
Ineffective in the No.10 role, struggled to link play and was substituted early in the second half.
Mario Pasalic – 6/10
Meandered around the pitch without ever stamping his authority. Replaced after an hour.
Petar Musa – 7/10
Caused Konsa problems all night with his physical presence and took his goal crisply. A handful for England's backline.
Key Takeaways
- England's attack is devastating, but their defence remains a glaring weakness that stronger opponents will exploit.
- Jude Bellingham is the tournament's early frontrunner for player of the World Cup.
- Harry Kane's record-equalling night reaffirms his status as England's all-time great goalscorer.
- Ezri Konsa's nightmare performance raises serious questions about England's centre-back depth.
- Croatia showed heart but ultimately lacked the quality to withstand England's firepower.
Quick Facts
Result: England 4–2 Croatia
England scorers: Harry Kane (23' pen, 45+1'), Jude Bellingham (56'), Phil Foden (78')
Croatia scorers: Martin Baturina (28'), Petar Musa (44')
Record: Harry Kane equaled Gary Lineker’s England World Cup record of 10 goals.
Attendance: 80,990
Player ratings via FourFourTwo
