Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland versus Croatia at the 2026 World Cup provided heaps of entertainment, heading into the break level at 2-2.The game's first two chances for either side came from corners first, Josip Sutalo struck an ambitious volley over the bar from a Croatia set piece, then Luka Modric gave away a penalty in the scuffle following England's first corner.Harry Kane missed at the first time of asking, however, the decision to re-take the penalty was made following two offences from Croatia.Gary Neville reveals England defence concernEngland's bagsman didn't miss again, tapping into the same code that has seen him convert regularly for Bayern Munich since joining the German side in 2023.Kane struck again later, repeating the brace he scored in England's 2018 World Cup opener vs Tunisia, with a thunderous header. You may like How to watch England vs Croatia for FREE at World Cup 2026 England vs Croatia prediction, as Three Lions look for World Cup revenge England 3-2 Croatia LIVE: Bellingham gives England the lead! Match updates Between those two strikes, Croatia levelled the score at 1-1 courtesy of a glorious Martin Baturina hit that Jordan Pickford was unable to prevent from entering the ball despite getting a hand to it.And after Kane's header made the score 2-1, the Croatians fought back once more, conceding a late Petar Musa volley just on the stroke of half-time.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.In response, Gary Neville expressed horror at the one England concern he prayed that Three Lions fans wouldn't see, now actualised against Croatia, that involves the national side's centre-back pairing."The one thing I didn't want from this game was for [England's] defence to be vulnerable", confessed Neville."They've gone in at half-time in the first game at the World Cup and conceded two goals, and that's concerning."The vulnerability... is [Ezri] Konsa and [John] Stones a partnership that can win us a World Cup? We're going have to protect that back four in the second half," continued Neville.Ian Wright also added that England's chaotic and "nervous" playing style was a worry, but that fans would embrace the football if it results in victories.The Three Lions head into their Group L opener's second half looking to find another lead, and maintain it this time.TOPICSJohn StonesGary NevilleEzri KonsaEnglandKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
