England participant scores vs Croatia: Harry Kane on hearth however 5/10s flop in World Cup opener

All of England’s player ratings versus Croatia in the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions beat their Group L rivals 4-2 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas

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Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham grabbed the match by the throat to ensure England would launch their World Cup campaign with victory despite some wobbly defending in a 4-2 win over Croatia.

Kane netted twice, including a dramatic retaken penalty, before Bellingham’s brilliant individual strike just after the interval and a late Marcus Rashford goal wrapped up the triumph., following what can only have been a very stern half-time team-talk from manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions were twice hauled back in the opening period, including on the stroke of the interval. Kane broke the deadlock after Luka Modric brought down Noni Madueke in the area. The Bayern Munich striker’s poor spot kick was kept out, but the goalkeeper was off his line and he converted the retake.

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Martin Baturina equalised magnificently before Kane doubled his haul with a thunderous header from Declan Rice’s corner to draw level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals – the most for his country. Petar Musa restored parity before Bellingham’s individual goal and Rashford’s late effort. Here’s how the players rated in Dallas….

England starting XI

Jordan Pickford

He appeared well short of his finest form. He established a jittery atmosphere with some wayward distribution and Tuchel did not look impressed. 5.

Reece James

He was left vulnerable defensively by Croatia’s movement and menace down the wing. Dreadful free kick. 5.

John Stones

Appeared completely out of sorts. That’s likely what happens when you’ve barely featured all season. Even the finest players require regular match time. 5.

Ezri Konsa

He found himself in trouble and was dragged out of position. England will undoubtedly recall Marc Guehi for their next outing. 5.

Nico O’Reilly

Squandered an opportunity and also appeared shaky defensively. Well below his typical Manchester City standards. 6.

Elliot Anderson

Failed to assert himself in midfield and fell short of his recent impressive displays. 6.

Declan Rice

He supplied an assist from his corner for Harry Kane’s strike, but Croatia managed to bypass him far too easily and he went off potentially injured. 6.

Noni Madueke

He posed a danger with his speed and direct approach. Earned a spot-kick. Wasted several crossing chances. But performed reasonably well. 7.

Jude Bellingham

Blimey. This was quite a display – and a remarkable strike. He appeared like a player with a point to prove. 8.

Anthony Gordon

His finest contributions came in a defensive capacity, as he spurned a golden opportunity and failed to provide sufficient creativity. 6.

Harry Kane

Smashing milestones and setting records with each goal. England’s skipper supreme came up trumps once more, despite the poor penalty he got away with early on. 8.

Substitutes

Djed Spence 6, Morgan Rogers 6, Marcus Rahford 7, Bukayo Saka 6, Marc Guehi N/A