England ratings v Croatia: Kane shines as Chelsea and Man City men toil | OneFootball

England opened their 2026 World Cup with a deserved 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. The margin might have been wider but for several excellent saves by Dominic Livaković.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, head coach Thomas Tuchel described the first half as fearful. England were nervy and will be frustrated by the manner of both concessions.

Harry Kane, rated nine out of 10, converted a first-half penalty to open the scoring and was ceaselessly creative between the lines. He is now level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time World Cup top scorer.

Jude Bellingham, an eight, finished coolly just after the interval from Elliot Anderson’s superb pass, which kick-started a dominant spell. Anderson also earned an eight for a commanding shield in midfield.

Noni Madueke, also an eight, was direct and brave, and won the penalty for Kane. From the bench, Bukayo Saka, an eight, burst clear to set up Marcus Rashford, an eight, who swept in a late finish.

Declan Rice, a seven, was disciplined and created four chances, finding Kane from a corner before going off in discomfort. Anthony Gordon, a six, found less space to influence.

At the back, Jordan Pickford, a five, could have done better with Martin Baturina’s strike and his distribution, then improved. John Stones and Reece James took fives, Ezri Konsa a six, and Nico O’Reilly a six after growing into the game. Djed Spence impressed for a seven, Morgan Rogers was a six, and Marc Guéhi was not on long enough to rate.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk