England's opening fixture of the World Cup 2026 group stage saw them emerge with a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, a performance that drew significant acclaim from former internationals Roy Keane and Gary Neville. Despite a first half that saw the Three Lions twice surrender their lead, a strong second-half showing secured a crucial three points for Gareth Southgate's side.
The match began with England taking the lead through a Harry Kane brace, only for Croatia to equalise on both occasions via goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. However, the second half saw a revitalised England, with Jude Bellingham's individual effort restoring their advantage before substitute Marcus Rashford added a late fourth, sealing the win.
Speaking on ITV after the final whistle, Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain, expressed his satisfaction with the team's display. He stated that manager Thomas Tuchel and the squad would be 'delighted' with the performance, particularly highlighting the impact of the attacking players and substitutes. Keane also remarked that conceding a couple of goals, while 'strange', might serve as a beneficial reminder to stay vigilant defensively.
Gary Neville echoed Keane's sentiments, going further to suggest that Tuchel's half-time address had galvanised the players. Neville described the initial 20 minutes of the second half as 'breath-taking', praising the team's intensity and effectiveness. He also commended Tuchel's tactical adjustments, noting the positive impact of substitutions and the team's ability to adapt by playing deeper when required, ultimately leading to the decisive fourth goal. Neville concluded that the second half was 'really good', with the early stages being 'fantastic'.
Fellow pundit Ian Wright also shared in the praise, focusing on England's attacking prowess and their ability to look 'dangerous' once they found their rhythm. Wright acknowledged potential discussions around defensive aspects in the first half but emphasised how England 'surprised' with their pressing game. He added that he couldn't recall a time when England had advanced the ball, played, and looked so threatening in attack, suggesting that defensive improvements could always be addressed.
The victory provides an excellent start to England's World Cup campaign, instilling confidence within the squad and among supporters. The blend of individual brilliance and strategic adjustments showcased in the second half will be a key takeaway for Tuchel as the tournament progresses, offering a promising outlook for the Three Lions' ambitions.