Postpublished at 68 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
That wave of pressure from England has somewhat subsided.
It's remarkable that none of those chances went in.
Summary
England put four past Croatia to win World Cup opener - watch highlights
'As exciting a first game of a tournament I've seen for a long time' says Rooney
Re-watch post-match analysis with Rooney, Richards & Hart at top of page
Kane voted your man of the match after scoring double - see player ratings
Kane's first goal was re-taken penalty - 'I knew if I did stutter he would come off his line' says England captain
Rashford and Bellingham also net for Three Lions
Send us your views
Postpublished at 68 mins
SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 65 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
More changes for Croatia.
On come Marco Pasalic and Igor Matanovic for Luka Vuskovic and Petar Musa.
Need to lock up the defencepublished at 22:29 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Tarik Habte
BBC News in DallasArsenal fan Jake Portella thinks (unsurprisingly) we need to bring Bukayo Saka in and lock up our defence.
There’s still a strong belief from Jake - and everyone else at this pub in Dallas - that England can do it.
Image source, Tarik Habteget involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:29 BST 17 June
Click 'Get Involved' on this page to have your say
What a joy to finally have fun watching England play!
Alex, Somerset
'England's attack is their best form of defence'published at 22:27 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas StadiumEngland have got to keep going and keep doing what they have done well in the right areas. England's attack is their best form of defence.
Postpublished at 62 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
England's dominance in the numbers:
- 18 shots
- 10 shots on target
- Six big chances
- 2.4 xG
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 22:25 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas StadiumSome of the passages of play Thomas Tuchel is really pleased with. Then you can see at times he is disgusted in some passages of play that we're seeing.
If England don't win this game, they will only have themselves to blame. They have had 18 opportunities on goal and only 10 of them have been on target.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:24 BST 17 June
Click 'Get Involved' on this page to have your say
It should be about 7-2! The Croatian keeper has had an unreal last 10 minutes or so!
Josh, Huntingdon
Image source, EPASUBSTITUTIONpublished at 60 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
Luka Modric makes way for Mateo Kovacic. It's not been the Croatian captain's finest hour.
Postpublished at 59 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
England need to capitalise while they are on top.
But I think it's safe to say that Thomas Tuchel is a coach who will not let this side rest on their laurels. He's shaking his head, waving his arms, barking orders.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:22 BST 17 June
Click 'Get Involved' on this page to have your say
What on earth did Tuchel say at half time? That was some team talk.
Paul, Didcot
'How has the ball stayed out?'published at 22:22 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker to BBC SportGoodness me, how has the ball stayed out of the back of the net? England are piling on the pressure at every opportunity.
'England need to capitalise'published at 22:22 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas StadiumThis is an excellent period of time for England - they need to capitalise on this.
Postpublished at 22:22 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Lee Dixon
Former England defender on ITVBrilliant football from England, they are all over the Croatians. Livakovic has just kept his team in the game. He's in the thick of it.
CLOSE!published at 58 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
Right, this is getting ridiculous now.
England are absolutely piling the pressure on and Croatia have got their goalkeeper to thank that they are still only trailing by one.
He saves from Ezri Konsa then Harry Kane.
Punch-drunkpublished at 22:20 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport in Philadelphia
A sudden rush for those Hey Jude (Bellingham) cocktails here at the Lion Sports Bar in Philadelphia (see 22:00 BST entry).
England fans are punch-drunk.
'A brilliant first save'published at 22:20 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas StadiumA brilliant first save and it is just a reaction save. This time Dominik Livakovic was in the right place. He has pawed it out from behind his own line.
GREAT SAVE!published at 56 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
How has that not gone in?! I think that was a triple save from Dominik Livakovic to deny England.
It's almost scrambled over the line but a big hand from the keeper claws it away.
Declan Rice whips it back in but it won't fall for Harry Kane.
Image source, Getty Images'Tuchel keeps shaking his head'published at 22:19 BST 17 June
England 3-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas StadiumThomas Tuchel keeps shaking his head looking at the ground. He is definitely not happy with the way England are playing. He wants the ball wider. He wants them to make the pitch bigger.
Postpublished at 54 mins
England 3-2 Croatia
Noni Madueke thinks he's been fouled by Luka Modric. It's sloppy again by the veteran.
Highlights: Six-goal thriller ends England 4-2 Croatia
At a glance
Harry Kane gives England lead with retaken penalty before Martin Baturina's powerful drive levels for Croatia on 36 minutes
Kane restores England's lead six minutes later, heading home from Declan Rice's corner
Croatia level again seconds before half-time through Petar Musa's sidefoot finish
Jude Bellingham puts England back in front just after the interval, before substitute Marcus Rashford adds fourth late on
England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they overpowered Croatia in a thriller in Dallas.
Thomas Tuchel's side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower to finally overcome Croatia and set the platform for progress in Group L.
Harry Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline.
Croatia, always dangerous opponents, were level after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.
Kane, inevitably, restored England's lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.
England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford.
Jude Bellingham showed exactly why Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.
Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana in Boston.
Who was the biggest attacking threat? England player ratings
- Published17 June
I tried to encourage them to go for it - Tuchel
- Published18 June
Why was Kane's penalty retaken against Croatia?
- Published17 June
England at 'best level' in second half against Croatia - Kane
England analysis: Tuchel's side a mixed bag
Tuchel will be delighted at starting the World Cup with a victory, so vital for confidence at any major tournament.
He will, however, know there is work to do despite an impressive win and a scoreline that was a fair reflection of their superiority, especially in the second half.
England were potent in attack, particularly for a spell after the break when Bellingham scored and Croatia somehow held out during a period of intense pressure.
Kane joined Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in making an early pitch for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham gave a powerhouse display he embellished with a fine goal.
It was in defence, however, where Tuchel will feel there must be improvements as Croatia scored two goals that could have been avoided.
In the end, though, it was the three points that mattered and England fully merited their win.
Bellingham 'put noise aside' ahead of England win over Croatia
Croatia analysis: Modric's day of suffering
Modric has decorated so many World Cups for Croatia, reaching the final in Russia in 2018 then the semi-final in Qatar four years later.
This was not, however, one of the great 40-year-old's better days as he gave away the early penalty with a mistimed tackle on Madueke and was then substituted after 58 minutes as England started to take control.
Modric, however, will still be the fulcrum of Croatia's effort to once again make progress at the World Cup – something they manage to do with great consistency.
For now, however, Zlatko Dalic's side will have to recover from a defeat and a result where they can have no complaints.
What's next?
England face Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST) while elsewhere in Group L Croatia face Panama three hours later (00:00 BST)
Player of the match
Number: 9 H. Kane
Average rating 8.32
Number: 9 H. Kane
Average Rating: 8.32Number: 10 J. Bellingham
Average Rating: 7.40Number: 11 M. Rashford
Average Rating: 7.27Number: 8 E. Anderson
Average Rating: 6.96Number: 4 D. Rice
Average Rating: 6.87Number: 20 N. Madueke
Average Rating: 6.86Number: 7 B. Saka
Average Rating: 6.80Number: 25 D. Spence
Average Rating: 6.49Number: 17 M. Rogers
Average Rating: 6.35Number: 1 J. Pickford
Average Rating: 6.09Number: 6 M. Guéhi
Average Rating: 6.05Number: 3 N. O'Reilly
Average Rating: 6.02Number: 24 R. James
Average Rating: 5.90Number: 2 E. Konsa
Average Rating: 5.74Number: 5 J. Stones
Average Rating: 5.70Number: 18 A. Gordon
Average Rating: 5.54Number: 1 D. Livaković
Average Rating: 7.72Number: 26 P. Musa
Average Rating: 6.05Number: 14 I. Perišić
Average Rating: 6.02Number: 16 M. Baturina
Average Rating: 6.00Number: 4 J. Gvardiol
Average Rating: 5.81Number: 15 Mario Pašalić
Average Rating: 5.72Number: 17 P. Sučić
Average Rating: 5.69Number: 22 L. Vušković
Average Rating: 5.67Number: 8 M. Kovačić
Average Rating: 5.57Number: 2 J. Stanišić
Average Rating: 5.56Number: 6 J. Šutalo
Average Rating: 5.49Number: 24 Marco Pašalić
Average Rating: 5.30Number: 9 A. Kramarić
Average Rating: 5.23Number: 20 I. Matanović
Average Rating: 5.18Number: 13 N. Vlašić
Average Rating: 5.13Number: 10 L. Modrić
Average Rating: 4.77After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Related topics
- Published6 June
- Published1 April
FIFA World Cup Scores & Fixtures
FIFA World Cup Table
On Wednesday 17th June
Skip to table key
Match Participants:
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group C
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group E
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
|
Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
Group G
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group H
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group I
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group J
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group K
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
- England, Position 1, Points 3
- Croatia, Position 4, Points 0
Group L
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
|
3rd Place Ranking
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2 : 16th Finals
- Position 3 : Possible 16th Finals
Team Lineups
NEW
Select a player in the formation diagram to view detailed performance statsSelect a player to see detailed performance stats, like xG, shots on target and distance covered
home team, England
Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
home team, England
away team, Croatia
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
away team, Croatia
Match Officials
- Referee:
- Clément Turpin
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Jerome Brisard
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Nicolas Danos
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Benjamin Pages
- Fourth Official:
- Katia García
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Willy Delajod
Match momentum
England
Croatia
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | England |
2' | England |
3' | Croatia |
4' | Croatia |
5' | England |
6' | England |
7' | England |
8' | England |
9' | England |
10' | England |
11' | England |
12' | EnglandPenalty |
13' | England |
14' | Croatia |
15' | Croatia |
16' | England |
17' | England |
18' | England |
19' | England |
20' | England |
21' | England |
22' | England |
23' | England |
24' | England |
25' | England |
26' | England |
27' | Croatia |
28' | Croatia |
29' | Croatia |
30' | Croatia |
31' | England |
32' | England |
33' | England |
34' | England |
35' | England |
36' | CroatiaGoal |
37' | Croatia |
38' | Croatia |
39' | Croatia |
40' | Croatia |
41' | Croatia |
42' | EnglandGoal |
43' | England |
44' | England |
45' | England |
45'+1 | England |
45'+2 | England |
45'+3 | Croatia |
45'+4 | Croatia |
45'+5 | CroatiaGoal |
Half time 45'+6 | Croatia |
46' | England |
47' | EnglandGoal |
48' | England |
49' | England |
50' | England |
51' | England |
52' | England |
53' | England |
54' | England |
55' | England |
56' | England |
57' | England |
58' | England |
59' | England |
60' | England |
61' | England |
62' | England |
63' | England |
64' | Croatia |
65' | Croatia |
66' | England |
67' | England |
68' | England |
69' | England |
70' | England |
71' | England |
72' | England |
73' | Croatia |
74' | Croatia |
75' | England |
76' | Croatia |
77' | Croatia |
78' | Croatia |
79' | Croatia |
80' | Croatia |
81' | Croatia |
82' | England |
83' | England |
84' | England |
85' | EnglandGoal |
86' | England |
87' | England |
88' | England |
89' | England |
90' | England |
90'+1 | Croatia |
90'+2 | Croatia |
90'+3 | Croatia |
90'+4 | Croatia |
90'+5 | Croatia |
90'+6 | England |
Full time 90'+7 | England |
Match Stats
Key, England v CroatiaBasic Stats
Overall possession
England 51.7%Croatia 48.3%
xG
England 2.7981Croatia 0.7132Shots
England 22Croatia 10Shots on target
England 11Croatia 5Total touches inside the opposition box
England 37Croatia 16Goalkeeper saves
England 3Croatia 7Aerial duels won
England 12Croatia 16Fouls committed
England 10Croatia 12Corners
England 8Croatia 2In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
England 22Croatia 10Shots on target
England 11Croatia 5Shots off target
England 6Croatia 3Attempts out of box
England 2Croatia 6One-on-one attempts
England 1Croatia 0Total offsides
England 0Croatia 1Expected
xG
England 2.7981Croatia 0.7132xG from open play
England 1.1669Croatia 0.3535xG from set play
England 0.8428Croatia 0.3598xA
England 1.05791Croatia 0.838052Distribution
Total passes
England 474Croatia 443Pass accuracy %
England 85.7Croatia 86Backward passes
England 75Croatia 68Forward passes
England 150Croatia 133Total long balls
England 41Croatia 42Successful final third passes
England 49Croatia 64Total crosses
England 13Croatia 13Defence
Total tackles
England 9Croatia 11Won tackle %
England 77.8Croatia 72.7Fouls committed
England 10Croatia 12Total clearances
England 16Croatia 17
Season so far
FIFA World Cup
Key, England v Croatia
Goals scored
England 11Croatia 6Form guide
All competitions
England won
v Costa Rica
3
0
Friendlies
Croatia won
v Slovenia
2
1
Friendlies
England won
v New Zealand
1
0
Friendlies
Croatia lose
v Belgium
0
2
Friendlies
England lose
v Japan
0
1
Friendlies
Croatia lose
v Brazil
3
1
Friendlies
England draw
v Uruguay
1
1
Friendlies
Croatia won
v Colombia
1
2
Friendlies
England won
v Albania
0
2
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
Croatia won
v Montenegro
2
3
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
Previous scores
All competitions
UEFA European Championship
England 1 , Croatia 0 on the 13th of June 2021
England
Croatia
13th of June 2021
UEFA Nations League
England 2 , Croatia 1 on the 18th of November 2018
England
Croatia
18th of November 2018
Croatia 0 , England 0 on the 12th of October 2018
Croatia
England
12th of October 2018