Prior to the tournament, many England fans had pinned World Cup success on the back of Kane, who was coming into the tournament after scoring an exceptional 64 goals in 56 games in all competitions for Bayern Munich. England’s number nine certainly didn’t disappoint in Texas, scoring a brace, dropping into midfield to link play and even getting involved defensively, blocking a Gvardiol effort in the 94th minute. Kane was fortunate that he got to retake his penalty after Gvardiol encroached into the box, but he made no mistake second time round, slotting his penalty past Livakovic. His second goal was a guided header from a Rice corner, which continued to generate opportunities for the Three Lions throughout the match. Kane could have even had a hat-trick, with the striker having seven shots throughout the game and looking dangerous in and around the box. If England are to progress far in this year’s World Cup, no doubt the Ballon d’Or candidate will be integral to it.  

Clear style under Tuchel 

This game showed us Tuchel’s style in-effect on the world stage, with Gordon and Madueke deployed on the flanks to make runs in behind while Kane drops deep to collect the ball. After a shaky first 15 minutes or so, the Three Lions got more comfortable, and in-turn managed to take the lead. Madueke had a good game, winning the penalty whereas opposite winger Gordon was a little quieter. Jude Bellingham showed his class and the holding midfield two of Rice and Anderson both got an assist each and formed a reliable partnership. Tuchel’s squad selection for the tournament was brave with the German showing he wasn’t bothered about names and more focused about his system and who fits best into it. England’s second half performance was particularly enjoyable, with them seeming to create multiple clear-cut chances after Bellingham’s 47th minute goal, keeping Livakovic busy in the Croatia goal. The subs also came on had a great impact, with Saka and Rashford combining for England’s fourth, with the depth of the bench looking strong.  

Hey Jude 

Much of the pre-match talk ahead of the game involved who would be deployed in the number 10 position, with Rogers and Bellingham both competing for a place in the starting XI. It would not have been surprising to see Rogers selected; however, Tuchel went with the Real Madrid midfielder who had a fantastic game. The 22-year-old can attract a lot of negativity within the English media, but he certainly showed why he is one of England’s most important players with a well-taken finish early in the second half. It’s easy to forget Bellingham is still so young, as he oozes confidence and an arrogance that can be seen as a negative trait. But he is a moments player, which is incredibly important in knockout football, and looked at the top of his game for England.  

A shaky defence 

For all England’s great forward-thinking play, they did concede two goals and perhaps didn’t look as solid defensively as they have done in previous tournaments. The Three Lions weren’t battered or overloaded at the back, but the back four and Pickford in goal did look unnerved at times. A solid defence is key to progress far in tournaments, but it is only England’s first group stage game so there is time for things to click and come together as a defensive unit. Plus, England did concede zero goals in World Cup qualification, so it is not as if this is reoccurring issue, and additionally Marc Guehi could always come into central defence to tighten things up.  

A key three points 

The most important part about England’s win over Croatiais that the three points gained puts them in a great position to get out of Group L. On paper, they also got past the most difficult of the three teams in the group, with Ghana and Panama still to play. Due to the World Cup being expanded from 32 countries to 48, the eight best third-placed teams also get through to the round of 32, so this win means the Three Lions are well-placed to progress. Winning the group should be the priority for England, and they will be in a strong place to do so if they can get beat Ghana, who scored a 95th minute winner to beat Panama in their opening game.