England launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, though Thomas Tuchel's side will have defensive concerns to address before their next Group L fixture against Ghana.

Kane the match-winner

Captain Harry Kane delivered a commanding performance to earn a match rating of 9 — the standout figure on the pitch. Kane converted a penalty rebound after Dominik Livakovic initially saved his spot-kick, then headed home his 81st England goal to draw level with Gary Lineker as England's all-time top World Cup scorer on 10 goals. The 32-year-old capped a complete display by making a crucial goal-line block with his midriff to deny what appeared a certain Josko Gvardiol goal.

Madueke dazzles on the right

Noni Madueke was England's other stand-out performer, earning an 8 alongside Elliot Anderson. The Arsenal winger drove at Croatia's defence repeatedly down the right flank, creating the penalty that gave Kane his first goal and posing a constant threat throughout the first half. His performance will make selection difficult for Tuchel when Bukayo Saka returns to full fitness following an Achilles injury.

Anderson also earned high praise on his World Cup debut, winning tackles, fuelling England's press, and threading the pass that released Jude Bellingham for a brilliant solo goal to open the second half — the culmination of a 23-pass move.

Defensive questions linger

Despite the emphatic scoreline, England's back line struggled at times. John Stones and Ezri Konsa both rated 6, with a Stones–Jordan Pickford mix-up gifting Croatia an early corner and Konsa losing Ivan Perisic for Croatia's second goal just before the interval. Nico O'Reilly, also rated 6, was turned for Croatia's first equaliser after an errant pass put pressure on the defence.

Marc Guehi came on in the 87th minute for Stones and could be handed a starting berth against Ghana in England's second group match.

Bellingham grows into the contest

Jude Bellingham delivered two goals after the break — a brilliant individual effort shortly after half-time and a long-range strike — as the Real Madrid playmaker gradually took control of the game. Declan Rice was lively in set-piece delivery and narrowly missed with a curling shot before being substituted with 18 minutes remaining.

Substitutes make their mark

Marcus Rashford, introduced at 72 minutes in place of Anthony Gordon, showed composure to score England's fourth goal with five minutes left — his 19th international goal. Saka, who replaced Madueke at the same time, provided the assist. Djed Spence had a golden chance to score on his England debut but fired straight at Livakovic after entering in the closing stages.

England now turn their attention to Group L rivals Ghana, knowing Tuchel faces decisions — particularly in defence — before kick-off.