England fans ripped off their shirts, threw pints in the air and got on each other’s shoulders as Marcus Rashford’s cool 85th-minute finish sealed a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener — but the jubilation was tempered by fears over two key players. Harry Kane was later pictured with his leg strapped after scoring a brace that moved him level with Gary Lineker’s England record of ten World Cup goals, while Declan Rice limped off in the 72nd minute, sparking injury concerns.
Thomas Tuchel’s half-time team talk proved decisive after a dismal first period. The manager allegedly told the players: ‘If we lose we lose playing our way.’ It was a transformed England that emerged for the second half. Jude Bellingham quickly gave the Lions the lead with a sensational solo goal before Kane added a re-taken penalty and a header from a Declan Rice corner.
“England beat Croatia 4-2 in World Cup opener; Kane equals Lineker's record but injury fears over Rice and Kane.”
‘Without the ball, we went a bit more aggressive,’ Kane said after the match, crediting Tuchel for the rousing speech. ‘It was difficult. They have players like Luka Modric dropping in and you’re trying to figure out who to pick up. The intensity we want, it’s our biggest strength and we’ll have to use that more. The way we controlled the game once we went ahead, we never really looked like we were in danger and then scored on the counter-attack. We had a spell where we could have scored three or four.’
Kane also threw himself in front of a last-minute block, earning roars from fans that matched those for any of the four goals. His first-half double — a re-taken penalty and a header from a Declan Rice corner — took him to ten World Cup goals, equalling Gary Lineker’s record. The victory saw England cut to 11-2 (from 7-1) by bookmakers to win the World Cup, while Kane is now 3-1 (from 15-2) to be the top goalscorer.
The only concern was Arsenal midfielder Rice, 27, who was surprisingly replaced by Morgan Rogers in the 72nd minute. Rice was seen limping off, and the extent of the injury remains unclear. Kane was also later seen with his leg strapped after the match, though no details were disclosed.
Despite the injury worries, fans across the country celebrated, wisely avoiding the £3,000 ticket prices and watching the live stream instead. England sit top of Group L after an emotional rollercoaster that ultimately left the Three Lions roaring with delight.