Have England Proved They’re Playing with a Different Pedigree After Their Win Against Croatia?

At half-time of England’s opening match of World Cup 2026, it was by no means a given that they would beat Croatia. Captain Harry Kane said after the game that Thomas Tuchel’s half-time team talk had inspired them to play without fear. Is the 4-2 victory a sign of glory to come, or might England fall at the last hurdle, as they did in the final of Euro 2020 and again at Euro 2024?

Tuchel and England’s defence

Tuchel’s side had a perfect qualification process, winning all their games and not conceding a single goal. But they found it far more difficult against Japan, who England lost to in a spring friendly, and Croatia, who were drawing 2-2 at half-time.

The coach has arguably not found the best way to defend. Against Japan, England gave away possession high up the pitch and couldn’t deal with the pace of Japan’s counter-attack. Against Croatia, England seemed to invite pressure with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford repeatedly passing short to his centre-backs. Tuchel would point to the defensive record in qualifying as evidence that they are perfectly capable of keeping clean sheets, but in Tuchel’s three games against stronger opposition – Uruguay (in the friendly a few days before Japan), Japan, and Croatia – England have conceded at least one goal.

Many observers were surprised that Ezri Konsa started the first World Cup game ahead of Marc Guehi. Others argued ahead of the tournament that John Stones had not played enough football for Manchester City this season to warrant a place in the XI.

Despite concerns around England’s defence, they remained among the favorites to win World Cup 2026, according to the Puntit sports betting odds. France, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal were the other challengers.

England’s midfield and attack

One of the major talking points pre-tournament was whether Tuchel would choose Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers to start in the No. 10 position. The coach had strongly implied that it would be one of the two, not both. Interviewed by ITV ahead of kickoff against Croatia, Tuchel said both deserved to start and that it was a “50-50” decision. Bellingham got the nod, and delivered with a second half goal. Tuchel said England would need “finishers” and Rogers played the last 18 minutes.

As well as talented subs, England will need Harry Kane to be at his best if they are to lift their first World Cup after 60 years of hurt. Kane netted two against Croatia, taking him to a total of 10 World Cup goals. Before this summer, Germany’s Miroslav Klose held the all-time record with 16 goals at finals. Kane has had one of the seasons of his career at Bayern Munich, scoring more than a goal per game (1.2 in the Bundesliga).  

There was also much debate about who would be to Kane’s left. Anthony Gordon was preferred to Marcus Rashford against Croatia, but Rashford came off the bench to score England’s fourth. In a long tournament, every player hoping to start will likely be needed at some point – whether it’s for a full 90 minutes, 120, or a brief cameo.