England were given a half-time shake-up by Thomas Tuchel as they overcame Croatia to win their opening match of the World Cup.
Harry Kane struck twice and Jude Bellingham scored the third moments after the restart. Tuchel then turned to the bench, with Bukayo Saka setting up Marcus Rashford as the Three Lions took charge of Group L thanks to a thrilling 4-2 win.
England were shaky in the first half, with assistant coach Anthony Barry ripping into a “complicated and confusing” performance after Croatia twice equalised in Texas.
England’s defence and parts of their midfield were far from convincing, but in captain Kane and Bellingham it’s clear Tuchel has two match-winners who could make the difference this summer.
Here’s how the England players rated after the 4-2 win over Croatia
Jordan Pickford, 5
Will be disappointed to have let Martin Baturina’s fierce strike slip through his grasp. England looked to beat Croatia’s press through him. A half-time tweak helped but Pickford remained a little twitchy.
Reece James, 6
His partnership with Madueke and Bellingham on the right was encouraging. Defensively, the connection with Konsa needs some work. Switched off for Croatia’s second equaliser. Moved into midfield for the final stages.
Ezri Konsa, 6
The centre-back was beaten too easily by the chipped pass into Ivan Perisic for Petar Musa’s goal but grew in confidence as the match went on.
John Stones, 5
Exposed in Croatia’s first goal as he went to ground in the box. Is that down to a lack of match sharpness? England looked vulnerable defensively before half-time.
Nico O’Reilly, 6
A shaky first half, where he went missing as Croatia countered for their first equaliser, gave way to a more assured second as England steadied on the ball. Not much link-up with Gordon.
Elliot Anderson, 6
Struggled in the first half, with England sloppy in possession. Appeared more comfortable when asked to be direct, and played a lovely first-time pass around the corner for Bellingham’s goal.
Declan Rice, 6
The set-piece quality is there and could be decisive if England go the distance. But his partnership with Anderson will need to be tighter if England are to control games. The midfield was loose, and it was notable that Rice was taken off on 72 minutes. An attempt to manage his fitness after a long club season with Arsenal?
Noni Madueke, 7
Often England’s out-ball, bringing energy and a lively option to hit on the break. Eager and direct, as he nipped in front of Luka Modric to win England’s penalty.
Jude Bellingham, 8
Played with a point to prove, offering drive, and impact. Influential in both boxes, as well as across the pitch, and led England’s second-half response. Who else?
Anthony Gordon, 5
Ran around chasing the ball like a whippet and hardly touched the ball. Made some good runs into the final third. Shame his team-mates couldn’t find him. Shame his replacement made an impact…
Harry Kane, 8
After the season of his life, England’s record-breaking captain is up and running in style. After a false start from the spot, he found his range – before adding a perfect header and even putting his body on the line and making a block in his own box in stoppage-time.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 7: Impact. A brilliantly taken goal on the counter attack to seal England’s win.
Bukayo Saka – 7: Sharp. Well he looks fit! Danced inside to set up Rashford. Should be back for Ghana?
Morgan Rogers – 6: Was introduced with Rashford and Saka but couldn’t make the same impression.
Djed Spence – 7: Bright. Could he played a bigger part in this World Cup than anyone expected? Brought energy from right back late on.
Marc Guehi – N/A: A late replacement for Stones.
