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England 4-2 Croatia: Kane, Madueke Deliver. Defence? That's the Catch.

England got the W. A 4-2 thump over Croatia in Dallas, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign. Trouble is, Thomas Tuchel's lot coughed up two first-half goals. Red flags, anyone?

18 Jun 2026 · via skysports.com

Preview & stats: England v Croatia →

England kicked off their World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, topping Group L early on. Harry Kane, the captain, bagged a penalty and another strike, looking every bit the man for the occasion. Noni Madueke? Electric on the right flank. He tormented Croatia all game, even drawing that early penalty. This gives Tuchel a dilemma, especially with Bukayo Saka still nursing an Achilles. Good problem to have, I suppose.

Jude Bellingham took a while to get going. But then, he just lit up the second half. A screamer to regain England's lead, then a long-range belter to seal it. Four of his seven England goals have now come in major tournaments. Quite the habit.

Elliot Anderson had a debut to remember too. He hoovered up possession. Outworked everyone. Could be a fixture in that midfield now.

But let's be blunt. The defence? England let in two before half-time. Defensive mix-ups, lost markers – Croatia's goals were soft. Marc Guehi could easily find himself starting against Ghana. Pickford did well to deny Pasalic at 3-2, sure. But Tuchel knows this backline needs sorting. Fast.

Betting angle

Tuchel needs to fix that backline, and fast. If he doesn't, betting on England's Group L opponents to score looks like a decent shout. He'll probably tweak the centre-backs for Ghana, which might tighten things up. Or maybe not.

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