England opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L. The match featured six goals, momentum swings, and several standout individual performances as Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered from a difficult first half to secure all three points.
Harry Kane once again led the way with two goals, while Noni Madueke caused constant problems for Croatia’s defense throughout the contest. Croatia matched England for long periods and twice found the net through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but England’s second-half changes proved decisive.
The final England vs Croatia player ratings today highlight the players who made the biggest impact as England completed an important opening win in the tournament.
England vs Croatia Player Ratings Today: Kane and Madueke Lead the Way
The England vs Croatia player ratings today place Harry Kane and Noni Madueke among the standout performers. Kane earned an 8/10 rating after scoring twice and leading England’s attack with authority. One of his goals came from the penalty spot, while his movement and physical presence constantly troubled Croatia’s defenders.
Madueke also received an 8/10 rating after delivering England’s most dangerous attacking display from open play. He repeatedly beat Joško Gvardiol on the wing, won the first-half penalty, and stretched Croatia’s defense throughout the game.
Jude Bellingham recovered from a quiet first half to earn a 7/10 rating after scoring England’s crucial third goal. Declan Rice finished with 6.5/10, while Kobbie Mainoo received 6/10 before being replaced.
Jordan Pickford earned a 5/10 rating after a difficult night that included an error on Croatia’s opening goal. Reece James received 6/10, while John Stones scored 5.5/10 after struggling with Croatia’s counterattacks. Marc Guéhi earned 6/10, and Levi Colwill received 5.5/10. Anthony Gordon also finished with 5/10 before making way in the second half.
England vs Croatia Player Ratings: Substitutes Change the Match
The England vs Croatia player ratings show how Tuchel’s substitutions transformed the game. Trent Alexander-Arnold came on in the 55th minute and earned a 7/10 rating after bringing greater control and creativity to England’s buildup play.
Bukayo Saka also received 7/10 after adding pace and directness in attack. His precise assist helped create Marcus Rashford’s goal late in the match. Rashford earned a 7/10 rating after scoring England’s fourth goal and exploiting space against a tiring Croatian defense.
Conor Gallagher received 6.5/10 for his energetic midfield display after replacing Mainoo. Adam Wharton entered late and did not play enough minutes to receive a rating.
Croatia’s substitutes had less impact. Luka Sučić earned 5.5/10, Ante Budimir received 5/10, and Lovro Majer finished with 5.5/10. Borna Sosa entered late and was not rated.
England vs Croatia Player Ratings Update: Baturina Impresses Despite Defeat
The final England vs Croatia player ratings update shows Martin Baturina as Croatia’s best performer. He earned a 7.5/10 rating after scoring a superb goal and creating several dangerous moments from midfield.
Petar Musa and Ivan Perišić both received 7/10 ratings. Musa scored Croatia’s second goal, while Perišić provided an assist and remained a threat throughout the match. Luka Modrić earned 6.5/10 after controlling possession effectively in the first half before fading later in the game.
Mateo Kovačić received 6/10, while Dominik Livaković finished with 5.5/10 despite making several important saves. Defenders Josip Juranović, Josip Šutalo, and Joško Gvardiol all received 5/10 ratings as England’s attack took control after the break.
The final England vs Croatia player ratings today reflect England’s attacking quality and strong second-half response. The latest England vs Croatia player ratings update confirms Kane and Madueke as the standout performers in a match that gave England a winning start to the World Cup.
England vs Croatia Player Ratings Today: Defensive Errors Hurt as Harry Kane Leads the Way