Player ratings: How Kane, Bellingham and England stars performed in World Cup win over Croatia
By Joel Masibo, June 18, 2026England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 triumph against Croatia in Arlington on Wednesday night, June 17, 2026, giving new head coach Thomas Tuchel a winning start in tournament football.
The Group L encounter highlighted the Three Lions’ attacking quality but also exposed vulnerabilities at the back. England struck four times through a Harry Kane double, Jude Bellingham’s individual brilliance and a late finish from Marcus Rashford, while Croatia twice fought back to level the scores before eventually being overwhelmed.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Harry Kane, who moved alongside Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England after netting twice.
Positive start
England made a positive start and took the lead when Kane converted a penalty at the second attempt after Noni Madueke had been fouled. Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, but Kane restored England’s advantage by heading home from a corner.
The Croatians equalised again before the interval when Petar Musa capitalised on defensive uncertainty to make it 2-2.
England emerged from the dressing room with renewed purpose. Just minutes into the second period, Jude Bellingham produced a superb individual effort to put his side back in front. Substitute Marcus Rashford later wrapped up the points with a composed finish.
England player ratings – Defence/goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
The goalkeeper was left exposed for both Croatian goals in the opening half and could do little to prevent either. However, he produced a crucial stop from Mario Pašalić after the break to preserve England’s advantage.
Reece James – 7/10
Combined effectively with Madueke on the right side and contributed positively going forward. Although partially involved in Croatia’s second goal, he adapted well when later deployed in midfield.
John Stones – 6/10
A misunderstanding with Pickford early on created anxiety in England’s defence. He recovered as the game progressed, maintaining composure in possession before being replaced.
Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Faced a demanding contest against Croatia’s attackers. He lost track of his marker during Croatia’s second equaliser, an issue England will need to address ahead of their next fixture.
Nico O’Reilly – 6/10
The young defender experienced a challenging first competitive appearance. A misplaced pass and defensive lapse contributed to Croatia’s first goal, though he responded positively after halftime and nearly scored with a header.
Midfield and Attack
Elliot Anderson – 8/10
An impressive World Cup debut. He brought intensity, aggression and energy to midfield, while also providing the assist for Bellingham’s decisive strike.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Played an important shielding role in front of the defence and delivered dangerous set-pieces throughout the contest. His corner created Kane’s second goal.
Jude Bellingham – 8/10
Not heavily involved before the break but became the game’s dominant midfielder in the second half. His excellent run and finish shortly after halftime shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Noni Madueke – 8/10
Rewarded his selection with a lively display. His direct running constantly troubled Croatia’s defence and earned the penalty that opened the scoring.
Anthony Gordon – 6/10
Worked tirelessly without the ball and contributed to England’s pressing game. Opportunities in attack were limited as much of England’s play developed down the opposite flank.
Harry Kane – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
A captain’s performance from the England striker. He calmly converted his retaken penalty, added a well-taken header and even contributed defensively with a vital block late in the match. His brace saw him equal Lineker’s long-standing World Cup scoring record for England.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Injected pace and purpose after entering the match. He capped his appearance with a clinical finish into the corner of the net.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Maintained England’s attacking threat and supplied a perfectly weighted pass that led to Rashford’s goal.
Djed Spence – 7/10
Made an energetic impact from right-back and almost celebrated his debut with a goal, only to see his effort saved.
Morgan Rogers – 6/10
Helped England retain possession and manage the closing stages after coming on late.
Marc Guéhi – 6/10
Introduced to strengthen the defence in the final minutes and dealt effectively with Croatia’s aerial attacks.
England’s entertaining victory places them at the summit of Group L and provides an encouraging start to their World Cup journey, though Tuchel will be keen to tighten up defensively before the next match. Kane’s record-equalling night and Bellingham’s influential second-half display were among the standout moments in an action-packed contest.