Jude Bellingham struck just two minutes into the second half to put England 3-2 ahead against Croatia, igniting a breathtaking turnaround in Dallas that saw Thomas Tuchel's side open their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory.
Bellingham's goal, a flying start to the second period, came after a first half that had unravelled dramatically. Harry Kane had scored a brace to put England in control, but Croatia hit back through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, the latter equalising just before the interval. The Three Lions were sloppy in possession, winning only 33% of ground duels in the first half – a statistic that infuriated Tuchel.
“Jude Bellingham scored early in the second half as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener.”
Whatever the German head coach said in the dressing room at half-time worked. Speaking after the match, Tuchel revealed his message: "Just to reinforce, even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days but let's do it our way. We were too focused on the result, on protecting what we don't have [a lead] at the moment."
England emerged transformed. They won 73% of ground duels in the second half. Bellingham, who Tuchel said "deserved to start", scored the third. Substitute Marcus Rashford added a fourth late on. "I loved the reaction of the players in the second half," Tuchel said. "It was excellent, we deserved to win."
Tuchel also addressed the decision to withdraw Declan Rice, saying: "Normally I would never take Declan out but I didn't want to take any risks." The midfielder had appeared to be experiencing discomfort as he left the pitch.
Bellingham's performance drew praise from his manager. "A very good player," Tuchel said. "That's what he needs to do to fight for his place to keep his place." The result sent a statement to the rest of the tournament: England, after a nervy start, had found their rhythm.