England Player Ratings Against Croatia

England got off to a strong start in their World Cup opener against Croatia, coming out on top as 4-2 winners in an entertaining game. After being pegged back twice before half time, Thomas Tuchel turned the screw in the second period and allowed his side to play with more risk and freedom, something that every England fan has been calling for for some time.

Here are our England player ratings from last night’s game:

Jordan Pickford – 6

Neither of the goals conceded were his fault and made a smart stop in the second half. There were a few moments however where he did not look particularly comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Reece James – 7

A strong, capable performance from one of England’s most valuable players. Also looked confident stepping into midfield if Tuchel needs to shake things up late in games.

Ezri Konsa – 6

Lost his man for the second goal which could have had a crucial impact on the game on another day. The Aston Villa man needs to get a bit sharper if he wants to guarantee his spot in the starting eleven.

John Stones – 6

Committed himself too early for the first Croatia goal and had a few other moments of defensive frailty. Whilst a key part in England/s build up play, you do wonder if Stones’ mediocre performance is down to rest or rust.

Nico O’ Reilly – 7

Showed composure in defence and the second half was demonstrative of the attacking threat we’ve seen at City this season. A great, precocious performance in his first major tournament game at international level.

Declan Rice – 7

Rice could perhaps been a bit braver in his attempts to block Baturina’s equaliser at 1-1, but more than made up for it with his stunning delivery for Harry Kane’s header. A leader on the pitch, the Arsenal midfielder is showing his experience on the world stage.

Elliot Anderson – 7

Quietly running the engine room in the middle of the park. While his touches on the ball are a joy to watch at times, it is Anderson’s desire to compete and battle to win the ball back which makes him a lock on the team sheet.

Jude Bellingham – 9

The best player on the pitch yesterday. Still staggeringly only 22 years old, Bellingham proved his worth on both ends of the pitch with a crucial block at one end and a fine breakaway finish at the other. Winning sides need players who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and Jude showed that ability last night.

Noni Madueke – 7

A perfect foil for the deep lying playmaking of Harry Kane, Madueke caused problems throughout with his pace in behind and won England’s penalty to open the scoring. Both Chelsea and Arsenal fans will be aware of the winger’s lack of a final ball, which if he can add to his game could take him to a world class level.

Anthony Gordon – 5

Relatively non existent, although defensively solid. It was obvious in the first half that most of England’s dangerous attacks came down the right hand side, while Gordon struggled to put his stamp on the game during his time on the pitch. It will be interesting to see the ongoing battle between him and Rashford for the left wing spot going forward.

Harry Kane – 8

Although a tad lucky to get a second shot at his penalty, England’s talisman did all you could ask of him in a tournament opener. A composed take two from the spot followed by a bullet header has put the Bayern Munich man level on World Cup goals with Gary Lineker. If he can keep this up, he could well be on his way to England immortality.

Thomas Tuchel And Subs – 9

In a post-Southgate era, Thomas Tuchel has proven that he is not afraid to throw caution to the wind and release the handbrake. A tit for tat first half was transformed almost instantly in the second, with the Three Lions rampant in attack after a flurry of positive changes.

The introduction of Marcus Rashford for Gordon gave the team more balance on the left, while all of Saka, Rogers, Spence, and Rashford had a part to play in the decisive fourth goal. If this managerial masterclass is anything to go by, we could be looking forward to the most entertaining England side in years.

England next play Ghana at 9PM on the 23rd of June.