England's star men delivered on the big stage to ensure Thomas Tuchel's men made an early World Cup statement in a thriller against old foes Croatia.
Harry Kane twice gave England the lead against the team who bested them back in the World Cup semi-finals eight years ago before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford got in on the act to seal a memorable win.
It was England who hit the front despite a nervy start to proceedings, Kane converting from the penalty spot at the second time of asking after Dominik Livakovic was caught slightly off his line. Kane's goal settled England down but Croatia hit back through a fine strike from Martin Baturina from the edge of the box. Kane would put England back in front by powering home a header from a magnificent Declan Rice corner but again Croatia would restore parity, this time through Petar Musa.
England came flying out of the blocks in the second half and were back ahead inside 90 seconds when Bellingham finished clinically after storming into the box, while Nico O'Reilly should have increased the lead from a corner just a couple of minutes later. England continued to pepper their opponents goal and eventually got their reward, adding a slick g in the dying embers of the game through an ice-cool Rashford.
