Kane and Bellingham star as England outshine Croatia in thriller

FIFA World Cup

>England 4 - 2 Croatia FT

>England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they overpowered Croatia in a thriller in Dallas.

>Thomas Tuchel's side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower to finally overcome Croatia and set the platform for progress in Group L.

>Harry Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline.

>Croatia, always dangerous opponents, were level after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.

>Kane, inevitably, restored England's lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.

>England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford.

>Jude Bellingham showed exactly why Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.

>Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana in Boston.

Who was the biggest attacking threat? England player ratings • >I tried to encourage them to go for it - Tuchel • >Why was Kane's penalty retaken against Croatia? England analysis: Tuchel's side a mixed bagTuchel will be delighted at starting the World Cup with a victory, so vital for confidence at any major tournament.

>He will, however, know there is work to do despite an impressive win and a scoreline that was a fair reflection of their superiority, especially in the second half.

>England were potent in attack, particularly for a spell after the break when Bellingham scored and Croatia somehow held out during a period of intense pressure.

>Kane joined Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in making an early pitch for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham gave a powerhouse display he embellished with a fine goal.

>It was in defence, however, where Tuchel will feel there must be improvements as Croatia scored two goals that could have been avoided.

>In the end, though, it was the three points that mattered and England fully merited their win.

Croatia analysis: Modric's day of sufferingModric has decorated so many World Cups for Croatia, reaching the final in Russia in 2018 then the semi-final in Qatar four years later.

>This was not, however, one of the great 40-year-old's better days as he gave away the early penalty with a mistimed tackle on Madueke and was then substituted after 58 minutes as England started to take control.

>Modric, however, will still be the fulcrum of Croatia's effort to once again make progress at the World Cup – something they manage to do with great consistency.

>For now, however, Zlatko Dalic's side will have to recover from a defeat and a result where they can have no complaints.

What's next?England face Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST) while elsewhere in Group L Croatia face Panama three hours later (00:00 BST)

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