England Outlasts Croatia in an Entertaining Opener

England 4–2 Croatia

England failed to disappoint in their opening group game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

First Half

The atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium was electric before kick-off. The England fans certainly know how to make themselves heard.

England wasted no time getting on the front foot. Madueke and James — both dangerous throughout — combined to force a corner in the 9th minute. The ball was partially cleared before Madueke attempted to get underneath it, with Modrić clumsily bringing him down in the process.

Kane stepped up to the spot and his effort was saved. A poor penalty — though on the replay the keeper was off his line too early, earning England a retake. Kane placed the ball to the right, same side as the first attempt, and on the second try sent the English fans into a frenzy.

England kept the pressure on after the goal, with the majority of their attacks coming down the right through Madueke. Kane was dropping incredibly deep — almost to his own penalty box at times — to pick up the ball and spray passes to the wings. Clear-cut chances remained elusive, however.

Croatia struck back in the 36th minute. After some brilliant work from winger Sučić, who feinted inside Stones — who went to ground far too easily — and laid the ball off at the top of the box, Baturina smashed his shot into the top left corner. An absolutely stunning equaliser.

The Croatian celebrations didn't last long. Six minutes later England regained the lead through — who else — Harry Kane. Unmarked above the penalty spot from a corner, he headed home with ease. Croatia's defending was woeful.

Yet the Croatians refused to go quietly. Just before half-time came another beautiful goal. A lovely chipped through ball found the experienced Ivan Perišić, who headed it into the path of Petar Muša — playing in the city where his club side FC Dallas are based — and he coolly passed the ball into the net.

A barn-burning first half ended level. Back to square one.

Second Half

Tuchel's half-time talk had quite the effect. England were immediately on the front foot, and Jude Bellingham got in behind the defence and slotted into the far corner to retake the lead. The keeper's angle was poor, but Bellingham still had to finish — and he did so with authority.

Croatia's keeper Livaković did make amends as the half wore on. In the 57th minute he produced a stunning triple save to deny Kane, keeping his side within touching distance.

After the hydration break — booed by the crowd, and hard to argue with given AT&T Stadium's air conditioning — England made attacking substitutions and Croatia began to push forward in search of an equaliser.

It proved to be their undoing. A sharp interchange between substitutes Saka and Rogers opened up space on the left for Rashford. The winger cut inside and finished into the corner, ending Croatia's hopes of salvaging a result.

Final Thought

Being a favourite doesn't always make for comfortable viewing in a tournament opener. England were tested, and at times vulnerable, but showed exactly why they belong among the contenders. The talent in this squad is undeniable, and with what looks like a forgiving group, this opening win should give them a clear runway to the knockout rounds.