England made a massive statement in their World Cup opener, brushing Croatia aside 4-2 thanks to masterclasses from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Photo: IANS
After Wednesday night's performance against Croatia, English fans must surely believe this is the year football is returning home ... again. But they won't be unfounded, especially after Thomas Tuchel's boys dismantled Croatia 4-2 in what was expected to be one of the toughest opening fixtures of the tournament.
England's attacking prowess, led by Harry Kane and backed up by Marcus Rashford, would have sent a message across the rest of the World Cup groups. Kane was at his clinical best, while Jude Bellingham once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world's finest midfielders.
Rashford's late goal capped off a performance full of confidence and intent. While several of the tournament favourites have stumbled out of the blocks, England have looked every bit a contender.
Argentina were another heavyweight nation that lived up to expectations with a convincing opening victory, but Spain failed to find a breakthrough in a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde.
