Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland have beaten Croatia in their World Cup 2026 opener.And it was a bit more eventful than anyone would have liked: England took the lead three times but some sloppy defending in that first half allowed Croatia back into the game.So who performed well and who left a little to be desired?England vs Croatia player ratings: Play our free match predictor and win �1kJordan Pickford: 7Distribution was key in the early stages to helping the Three Lions beat Croatia's press. Got a hand on the Croatia goal but wasn't exactly to blame for Baturina's 120km worldie or his defenders losing Musa for the second equaliser. Two attacks, two goals in the first half, though? Not the first-half standards that Pickford has set in the last decade, regardless of how much he could have done.The vital save in the second half to foil Marko Pasalic, however, is textbook Pickford. You may like England vs Japan match ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines, as Cole Palmer struggles England 4-2 Croatia LIVE: England are top of Group L! Match updates England vs Croatia team news: Predicted World Cup starting XI, injury updates and squad in full Reece James: 6Would have had his heart in his mouth around 15 minutes when he almost conceded a penalty, when trying to stop Musa from getting a shot off. Grew into the game in possession but completely lost Musa for the second, when he was drawn in by Mario Pasalic's run.But James played well in midfield in the second half. Overall, a good performance if not sparkling.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.John Stones: 6 (on, '86)Hasn't played a lot this season but as the elder statesman of this back four, the veteran was as sure on the ball as you'd expect. Still, that composure didn't emanate through the backline in that first half.One wonders how rusty he is, but Stones was pivotal in building play. Didn't do an awful lot wrong, even if he didn't shine as bright as he can.Ezri Konsa: 5Had his share of the blame for the second equaliser when Mario Pasalic ghosted beyond him and headed back to an unmarked Musa. A big lesson for the Aston Villa man in his first international tournament. What to read next How to watch England vs Croatia for FREE at World Cup 2026 England vs Japan match ratings and alternative commentary Croatia vs England Team News: Predicted XI & Squad for Tonight In the second half, he had less to do with England more on the front foot, and that's probably the way he'd like it. Was good on the ball throughout and helped England beat the press but may be dropped for Guehi in England's next game.Nico O'Reilly: 7A fairly anonymous first-half in which he looked to drift in-field to get involved with the action. Missed an absolute sitter of a free header minutes after Bellingham's strike, which he would usually bury for Manchester City: did much better with his second, which was saved by a brilliant Livakovic.Hard to be too harsh on a youngster making his first appearance at a major tournament against a very good Croatian side and as the nerves wore off the second half, he was positionally very disciplined and confident on the ball.Elliot Anderson: 7Quiet in the first half but did a lot of dirty work off the ball to keep the Three Lions ticking over, especially in the second half when England took hold of the game a little more.He certainly didn't have Rice hold his hand in that midfield, however, and when the Arsenal man went off, Anderson was calm and assured in the centre of the park with Bellingham, and then James, alongside him. A solid tournament debut.Declan Rice: 7 (off, '69)Potentially could have closed down Martin Baturina a little more for Croatia's equaliser, but delivered the all-important assist for Kane to grab England's second. You know what you're getting with Declan Rice by now, though: hard-running while others around him tire, otherworldly duel-winning and security on the ball.Had a shot just after half-time saved by Livakovic, which displayed just what he offers in attack as well as defence. Hopefully his substitution was just to manage his workload and nothing too serious.Noni Madueke: 7 (off, '69)An absolute live-wire in the first half, finding himself isolated on the right wing and whipping in a couple of decent balls. It's clear that the Arsenal man isn't quite at his most confident, however, as a few times, he preferred to turn back to James rather than take on Gvardiol on the outside.Overall though, a very competent replacement for Saka, and one of his better performances in 2026 for the winger, in what has been a tough second half of the season at Arsenal.Jude Bellingham: 9 (off, '79)England's best player, along with Kane. Started off the first half with a huge recovery with Petar Musa in on goal, around a quarter of an hour in, to save Reece James and deny Croatia a shot 10 yards out. Started the second with a striker's finish to restore the lead for the Three Lions.With all the debate over whether he should start ahead of Rogers, Bellingham answered his doubters emphatically. Could have put England 2-0 up in the first half when he was inches away from connecting with a Madueke cross.Anthony Gordon: 6 (off, '69)Tracked back well in the first half, rotated well in possession to both hold the width and allow O'Reilly inside, and move inside himself to recycle possession but wasn't much of an option as a runner beyond Kane. Had one meaningful shot, blocked by a Croatian defender. Will hope for another opportunity against Ghana.Harry Kane: 9Got a little lucky that Clement Turpin gave him a second bite of the cherry with the penalty but on from there, was flawless. Had the composure to step up and smash the ball into the same corner took cojones, that then powered that header in for 2-0 when he was left unmarked.Kane peppered the Croatian goal and was perhaps unlucky not to have a hat-trick before the hour mark. We were all worried he might drift too deep, but he managed to find the perfect balance between providing overloads in midfield and getting the finishing touches in the box. Complete centre-forward display.SUB: Morgan Rogers: 6 (on, '69)We knew he'd get on: he's one of Tuchel's favourites. Immediately got involved in the action with a probing run and almost created a chance for Saka. It's good to see that he can play with Bellingham (in the 10 minutes or so that they shared the pitch).A quiet 25 minutes or so, but knitted play neatly and will be happy with what he showed Tuchel.SUB: Bukayo Saka: 7 (on, '69)Has he dropped less than a 7/10 for England in the last four years? Even with just 20 minutes to showcase himself tonight, the Premier League champion was diligent in getting back to help his full-back and confident enough to burst forward and assist Rashford.He will start ahead of Madueke when he's fully fit: and this is why.SUB: Marcus Rashford: 7 (on, '69)Took his goal beautifully. He's a man for the big occasions and while Gordon is perhaps the better all-round option both going forwards and tracking back, you need someone of Rashford's calibre in those big moments.He could well have made a case to start against Ghana.SUB: Djed Spence: 7 (on, '79)Had a wild burst forward shortly after coming on, only for Livakovic, again, to save Croatia from conceding a fourth and was pivotal to Rashford's fourth goal. Could well form a nice cross-Seven Sisters partnership with Saka at this competition if he gets the chance to.SUB: Marc Guehi: N/A (on, '86)Didn't play long enough to get a rating; didn't have a moment of note. Which England will be pleased about.TOPICSEnglandCroatiaWorld Cup 2026Mark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robsons time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.
