England fans were ordered to take down flags at the World Cup opener against Croatia as security enforced a FIFA order to scupper tradition, even as Thomas Tuchel's side delivered a 4-2 victory at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday evening.
Harry Kane scored twice — a 12th-minute penalty and a 42nd-minute strike — while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals in a second-half masterclass that saw England create 22 chances. Croatia had briefly threatened, with Martin Baturina levelling in the 36th minute and Petar Musa equalising in first-half stoppage time, but the Three Lions tore them apart after the interval.
“England fans ordered to remove flags at World Cup opener as Tuchel's side beat Croatia 4-2”
Tuchel's half-time rallying cry proved decisive. Both Kane and Bellingham later praised the German's speech, with Bellingham earning a 9/10 rating from the i newspaper. Anthony Gordon, however, was described as 'anonymous' in the first half, while the defensive unit struggled — Jordan Pickford looked 'uncharacteristically ruffled' and John Stones 'rusty' early on.
Concerns also emerged over Declan Rice, who limped off late in the game. Rice later issued an injury update, revealing a long-term problem, while Marcus Rashford also appeared to be experiencing discomfort as he left the pitch. Rashford had come off the bench to score a fine goal, giving Tuchel food for thought ahead of the Ghana match.
Despite the flag ban, England's statement win has set the tempo for their World Cup challenge in North America. As one journalist noted, their finishers are 'the envy of the rest of the World Cup'.