Fifa World Cup 2026: England score four goals and top their group after beating Croatia 4-2 - highlights
Thomas Tuchel's team next play against Ghana on Tuesday at Boston Stadium - should Marcus Rashford start that game?
Harry Kane scores twice to put himself in the running to win Golden Boot again
From one to 48 - every World Cup team ranked after first game
We'll move away from England now as BBC Sport have brought together a small team of journalists who, between them, have watched every side's opening game.
And they have ranked all 48 teams at the tournament, from first to last.
Let's take a look and see if you agree.
Feel free to get involved at the top of the page!
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty ImagesThose who played in the Croatia win will take part in a light recovery session at the team's hotel in Kansas. There is a 15 minute open training session planned to take place with a smaller group of players who didn't play at around 23:30 BST.
However, England boss Thomas Tuchel did say in his MD-1 presser that England players not involved will play a match behind closed doors "on the day after the Croatia game" against local opposition.
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More athleticism needed for fullbacks to deal with increasing pace and impact of wingers. James is no longer that kind of defender. Spence may be better there
Tendai
Tuchel has spotted our strength in pacey front line with a new equally strong wave hitting opposition just when they are tiring. Downside is midfield can get stretched, leaving space for opposition to get in front of defence. But bring it on as 'we're gonna score one more than you!'
Chris
Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent
High pressing teams have generally struggled in the World Cup so far but it is encouraging that Thomas Tuchel was able to tweak his defensive approach mid-game.
When defending in a block, closer to their own goal, England still require work, to ensure they don't get pulled apart by off-the-ball movement. Declan Rice or Elliot Anderson dropping in to form a back five also left space in the heart of midfield that, on another day, could have been punished.
The biggest positive was their improvement on the ball. Ultimately, if England are able to control the tempo of the game, dominating the ball for large parts, they will be hoping that the time they spend close to their own goal will be lessened.
England 4-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Football Daily
It was a really good performance from England and an excellent start to the World Cup. In an opposition with the calibre of Croatia, they were playing against one of the top 10 teams in the world.
There were a lot of positives England can take from that game. Negatives usually make the headlines but the positives far outweigh the negatives from the opening match. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
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It wouldn’t be England at a major tournament if we weren’t either overly criticising them or getting carried away after a win. The rollercoaster of being an England fan.
Tim
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty ImagesCroatia head coach Zlatko Dalic criticised his side's "disastrous" defending of England’s set-pieces following their 4-2 defeat to Thomas Tuchel's men.
"Allow me first to congratulate England on the win," the Croatia boss said. "It was quite a strange game, quite a difficult game, as we expected it to be.
"In the first half, we played quite well. We really did good saves and we actually kept to everything we agreed on, but unfortunately we knew that the set-pieces were the greatest danger, and we conceded two goals after a corner.
"Until now we were quite good in the set-pieces. We did not concede goals that easily and we practised for this opponent.
"We knew England’s way of play, we knew that they’re making a block and we failed to do what we practised.
"After the first corner, we concede a goal. After the second set-piece, a player just jumps in and scores again, so it was disastrous for us, specifically when it comes to a team such as England."They are strongest when it comes to goals from set-pieces. About 40 per cent of their goals are from set-pieces. We analysed that game, we knew that."We must be much, much better than we were today in our performance."
England 4-2 Croatia
This was England’s first World Cup win against a side ranked inside of Fifa's top 15 in the rankings (Croatia 11th) since 2002 v Argentina (3rd), ending a nine-game winless run (D2 L7) and six-game losing run against such sides at the finals.
England 4-2 Croatia
David James
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live 606
On whether Jordan Pickford could have saved Martin Baturina's first goal for Croatia: "Every goalie is unhappy with every goal, irrespective of whether you could have saved it or not.
"I thought Jordan did well to get across to it, the fact he got a hand to it made it look like he could have saved it.
"Had Jordan not dived for the first goal, everyone would have said what a goal that was. Because he dived to it and got a hand to it, it looked like he could have done more.
"He did well to get into the position, he was unfortunate not to do more but it was a originally a low shot through bodies."
England 4-2 Croatia
Wayne Rooney
Former England striker
Image source, Getty ImagesWe could do so much better with the first goal.
I think there were a few elements. Jude [Bellingham] is a bit flat-footed and the defender comes in and wins the ball. I think John Stones can stay on his feet. There's no real danger and [Jordan] Pickford is in a good position, but he doesn't stay on his feet. He gambles and when he dives in and gambles and it means [Nico] O'Reilly has to go across. It's a nice set and good cut back and nice finish.
Could Jordan Pickford do a bit better? I don't know. He gets a full hand on it. I know it's quick. It's a good goal from a Croatia point of view but there's things England can do better to prevent it.
I'm always critical of goalkeepers. I think if Jordan is getting a hand on it like he does then he'll be disappointed.
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Great in attack but defence feels wrong. Think Marc Guehi should come in for John Stones and I thought Djed Spence was a lot better than James at right back. James seems to be scared of injury so doesn't run full power anymore. Possible Marcus Rashford for Anthony Gordon or keep Rash as super sub.
Stu
Guehi in for Stones NOT Konsa Rashford from the bench still
Andrew
England 4-2 Croatia
Micah Richards
Former England defender
Image source, Getty ImagesIf you look at the goals Croatia scored, both could have been avoided. What England did was played into their hands and allowed them to get their technical players on the ball and do what they wanted to do.
In terms of energy England were all over Croatia, so if you get ten or fifteen yards further forward, you don't even get into those situations. Having the flexibility of the energy off the bench is going to be pivotal going forward.
England 4-2 Croatia
Did anyone else spot Ivan Perisic leapfrog over Martin Baturina in the first goal celebrations?
It was almost as impressive as the strike itself!
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland 4-2 Croatia
As good as it was, it wasn't a perfect performance from England.
Thomas Tuchel will want to tidy some things up going forward, especially in the backline...
Baturina fires Croatia level against England
Musa strikes for Croatia to make it 2-2 against England
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Was I watching a different game? How is Konsa getting all the flack for the defence? Wasn't Stones selected for bringing experience? All the talk of Konsa out is nonsense.
Andy
Mark Guehi deserves to start. He is a left sided centre back which gives balance - both Johnny Stones and Konsa play right side. He plays with Nico O’Reilly every week so that relationship works. But most importantly I think he’s our best defender.
Julian
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty ImagesJohn Stones and Ezri Konsa were handed the nod at the heart of England’s defence by Thomas Tuchel but it was far from a settled display from the duo as England conceded twice in the first half against Croatia.
Stones, who found minutes hard to come by at Manchester City last season, saw plenty of the ball and took on much of the responsibility in building from the back, but that came with risk at times.
Konsa, a regular for Tuchel since taking charge, showed flashes of his usual composure but also looked short of rhythm alongside Stones.
So does Tuchel stick with the two defenders for Ghana? Or should Marc Guahi be brought in to steady things in the next game?
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Rashford thrives when the game is broken up and he is able to play on the counter. Gordon is better starting as his pressing is key in unsettling defences, leave it as it is.
Miles
Give Gordon another go as at his best, he keeps shape of team and ball better. Rashford for impact. Given defensive performance surely Guehi deserves a start.
Adrian
Rashford's work rate off the ball is nowhere near as useful as Gordon’s. Keep Gordon to start, Rashford as sub for the last 20.
Kev
England 4-2 Croatia
David James
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live 606
On Anthony Gordon’s post‑match interview, where the winger spoke about how 'self-centredness' is a "disease": "It’s a great line. It underlines everything about it being a team performance.
"The way Anthony is talking there is encouraging.
"When Tuchel announced the squad I was thinking this is the right squad for the right reasons. I listen to the player interviews and it encourages me more."
England 4-2 Croatia
England
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland's Anthony Gordon, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about making his World Cup debut: "It has been a crazy couple of weeks and that just topped it off. First World Cup game, something I have dreamed about as a kid.
"Special, but it is not about me. Self-centredness is a disease and I don't want to be a part of that.
"It is about the team. Rashy [Marcus Rashford] came on and made an impact, Bukayo [Saka] and Morgan [Rogers]. It is a collective."
On the game: "A difficult first half - their goal came from nowhere and stunned us a little bit. We came out really strong in the second half and got what we wanted. They were really good and that can't be underestimated when you look at the game."
England 4-2 Croatia
Simon Stone
BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesScoring a goal and making a pretty positive impact when he came on as substitute for England last night won't have done Marcus Rashford any harm.
On July 1, Rashford will revert to being a Manchester United player after Barcelona opted against triggering a £26m clause to buy the 28-year-old.
United say they want £40m for Rashford, who has two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract.
They also say they will not entertain another loan deal with Barcelona, which is what the La Liga giants want.
Clearly, United can't force Rashford to go anywhere he doesn't want to - and his salary rules out all but a few clubs anyway.
As it stands, United are expecting the player to return to them after the mandatory three-week post-World Cup break, which would be just in time for a training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
There is a lot of time yet for Rashford's club future to be resolved, but impacts like last night have to be viewed as a positive.
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
| 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
|
| 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 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -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 |
|
