Alan Shearer says Thomas Tuchel got one of his first major World Cup calls spot on as England sealed a statement win over Croatia. The Three Lions produced a dazzling attacking performance out in Dallas, scoring four goals in a 4-2 victory over 2018 runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists Croatia.
Harry Kane put England ahead inside 13 minutes, scoring a retaken penalty to equal Gary Lineker as the nation’s top goalscorer at World Cups. A thunderous strike from Croatia’s Martin Baturina briefly stunned England but they restored their advantage through Kane’s thumping header.
Bellingham justifies selection
Croatia were level again just before half-time, Petar Musa volleying past Jordan Pickford, but England asserted their dominance after the break. Jude Bellingham, picked in the No. 10 role ahead of Morgan Rogers, danced into the penalty box before producing a superb finish.
England then wasted a number of chances to put the game to bed before finally ending Croatia’s resistance through substitute Marcus Rashford. Tuchel’s side were well worth the win despite a couple of shaky moments at the back.
Shearer's verdict
Shearer praised the manager’s decision to start Bellingham despite calls for Rogers to be rewarded for his sensational season at Aston Villa. ‘Well you can have the discussion – Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers – but the manager has made the right one because he has come up with something like that,’ Shearer told BBC Sport. ‘He sees the spot, has a look there, knows where he wants to put it and guides it in there. It was a great finish and great start to the second half for England.’
Discussing England’s opening win more generally, Shearer added: ‘I think there’s so many positives to come out of that performance. The goals that they scored and how they stood strong when they did come under pressure. All in all a good night for England. Lots of positives.’
Rooney's reaction
Former England captain Wayne Rooney said he ‘loved’ the Three Lions’ opening World Cup win. ‘I loved it. I thought it was a great performance,’ the Manchester United legend said. ‘They can do a little better with the two goals [they conceded] but so positive and getting to the ball, creating chances, making it hard for Croatia to get out. That was as exciting a first game of a tournament I’ve seen for a long time. I think it was a great performance.
‘I think the main thing was making a positive start and for England to win the game was the main thing for me tonight and we’ve seen Argentina who have been brilliant. France in the second half were brilliant but this tournament doesn’t start until the knockout stages and England will get to the knockout stages then it’ll start. Now it’s about building momentum for when we get there.’
