Jude Bellingham delivered a commanding performance to lead England to victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage opener, though it was not without some defensive anxiety at the back.

The Real Madrid midfielder was the standout figure throughout the match, dictating tempo and offering creativity that his teammates could not match. Bellingham's influence on the game underlined why he remains England's most important player heading into this tournament.

Konsa under pressure

While Bellingham's display drew widespread praise, Ezri Konsa endured a difficult evening at the back. The Aston Villa defender struggled to deal with Croatia's attacking threats and found himself exposed on multiple occasions, giving England's management plenty to think about ahead of their next group fixture.

Konsa's nervy showing will raise questions about England's defensive shape and whether changes are needed to shore up the backline as the tournament progresses.

England's World Cup campaign begins

The victory marks a confident, if imperfect, start to England's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. Getting three points from the opening match is the foundation any side needs, and England will look to build on this result as the group stage unfolds.

Croatia, who reached the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the semi-finals in 2022, will be disappointed to fall at the first hurdle against a side they have faced in major tournament football before.

England will hope Bellingham continues in this form — and that their defensive concerns are addressed quickly — as the pressure of the FIFA World Cup 2026 intensifies in the coming weeks.