England player ratings: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham shine as Three Lions get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to winning start against Croatia

Kane struck from the spot early on after Luka Modric had fouled Noni Madueke. The England captain's initial effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic, but he was handed a second chance because the Croatia shotstopper had come off his line before the ball was kicked.

Madueke was again involved as England pushed for a second as he put in a teasing low cross for Bellingham, who came close to getting on the end of the Arsenal man's ball.

Croatia were level with 10 minutes of the half to go after Martin Baturina brilliantly rifled past Jordan Pickford from 20 yards. However, their joy lasted only five minutes as Kane powered a fine Declan Rice corner past Livakovic.

Zlatko Dalic's side came from behind for a second time in the opening 45 after Ivan Perisic beat the offside trap to tee up Petar Musa. He made no mistake from close range seconds before half-time.

Bellingham, though, put England back in front five minutes after the break, beating Livakovic from a tight angle. Tuchel's side huffed and puffed for a fourth, but were met by an inspired Livakovic, who kept Nico O'Reilly, Rice and Kane at bay.

It was not until the 85th minute, however, that England stretched their advantage as substitute Marcus Rashford kept his composure to add the Three Lions' fourth and wrap up the three points.

Jordan Pickford - 6 - Comfortably dealt with a Luka Vuskovic long ball over the top for Musa early on. Was caught in possession after a half-hour and that resulted in a Croatia throw-in. Did get a hand to Baturina's rasping effort but the Como man's shot was too powerful to keep out. Unable to keep Musa's effort out on the stroke of half-time. Made a decent stop to palm away a Marco Pasalic shot with 15 minutes to go.

Reece James - 6 - Got forward well to support Madueke down the right flank. Twice put in testing crosses with 10 minutes of the first half remaining that were cleared well by Josip Sutalo. Played the final 10 in midfield.

John Stones - 6 - Sat down too easily by Petar Sucic for Croatia's equaliser as he committed to the block. Was arguably the better performing of the two England centre-backs. Came off in the 87th minute for Manchester City team-mate Marc Guehi.

Ezri Konsa - 5 - Played Ivan Perisic on for Croatia's second shortly before the break. Looked a little out of sorts, which does not bode well with Guehi in reserve.

Nico O'Reilly - 6 - Caught too high upfield once England conceded possession in their own half in the lead up to Baturina's effort. The Manchester City man should have extended England's lead shortly after Bellingham's first, having been picked out by Rice. Did better from another Rice corner that produced a smart Livakovic stop.

Elliot Anderson - 7 - Sloppily gave away possession in the build up to Croatia's first goal. Made amends with a fine round-the-corner pass for Bellingham's strike. Settled well following his mishap.

Declan Rice - 7 - Was caught out of position for Croatia's first after Anderson had cheaply given the ball away in the England half. He did provide the assist for Kane's second with a wonderfully taken corner. Should have had a second assist for O'Reilly before testing Livakovic himself with a rasping effort. Hobbled off in the 71st minute.

Noni Madueke - 8 - Won the penalty that resulted in England's opener and was generally bright in the opening exchanges. Fizzed a teasing ball into the danger zone that was taken off Bellingham's toe at the last second. The Arsenal man ultimately put in an impressive showing down England's right side.

Jude Bellingham - 8 - Didn't have the support he needed as he made a driving run towards the Croatia goal midway through the first half. Came perilously close to doubling England's advantage on the half-hour mark. The Real Madrid star made a bright start to the second half as he found the far corner to put England ahead for the third time.

Anthony Gordon - 6 - As England prioritised the right flank, the Barcelona man was not given much of a chance to attack down the left. Did marshal Josip Stanisic well, however. Came off with 20 minutes to play.

Harry Kane - 9 - The Bayern Munich man missed his penalty, but was granted a reprieve after referee Clement Turpin overturned the initial spot kick. Made no mistake the second time around. He has now scored more penalties than any other player in FIFA World Cup history, with five. Excelled again as he dropped deep to receive the ball and spread the play time and time again. Scored England's second with a stunning header shortly before the break. Forced a succession of Livakovic saves shortly before the hour mark. Put his body on the line to block a late Josko Gvardiol strike. A real captain's performance.

Marcus Rashford - 7 - Wrapped up the win for England with five minutes to go with a well-taken effort past Livakovic.

Morgan Rogers - 6 - Looked bright when he came on and won a late free kick to run down the clock.

Bukayo Saka - 7 - Replaced club-mate Madueke with 20 minutes to play. Played a fine pass in for Rashford for England's fourth

Djed Spence - 6 - Forced Livakovic into a smart stop shortly after his introduction.

Marc Guehi - 6 - Came on for John Stones for the final minutes to see out the victory.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. 

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max