England – Croatia: Press reviews after a furious start to the World Cup

Gala from Kane and Co

“Stardust sprinkled”: The press celebrates England

On the final day of the first matchday of the World Cup, England delivered a convincing performance. This is how the press reacted.

This is a tailor-made start for Thomas Tuchel and the England national team. In the first World Cup game in Group L, England defeated Croatia 4:2 (2:2). While the first half was more or less even, England completely took control of the game in the second half.

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Outstanding man on the pitch: Harry Kane, who scored two goals (12th minute/penalty, 42nd) and eagerly prevented a goal being conceded shortly before the end. In addition to him, Jude Bellingham (47th) and Marcus Rashford (85th) also scored for England. Croatia’s goals were scored by Martin Baturina (36th) and Petar Musar (45th + 5th).

After the English gala in the second half, the international press also reacted euphorically to the game, but there is also one point of criticism.

“Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sprinkled some stardust under the roof in Dallas and proved why England could perhaps cause surprises at this World Cup. But Thomas Tuchel’s shaky back four mustn’t feel too confident, otherwise the tournament could turn into something of a disaster.”

“Harry makes history! Kane equals Lineker’s World Cup record for England, helps the Three Lions to a thrilling win over Croatia and starts the World Cup campaign with a runaway win.”

“The Three Lions have the firepower to go far at this World Cup with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham at the helm – but the team needs to improve quickly defensively.”

“England didn’t come to the USA for fun. Thanks to a brilliant performance from Kane and Bellingham, the Three Lions crushed the Croatian team, where Modrić appeared overwhelmed and out of ideas.”

“England are almost guaranteed to reach the World Cup knockout stages and top Group L after a thrilling and sometimes chaotic win against Croatia in Dallas.”

“England started their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday in a stunning game. Harry Kane scored a brace to move level with Gary Lineker as England’s top goalscorer at a World Cup.”