Wayne Rooney analysing England’s win over Croatia (Picture: BBC)
Former captain Wayne Rooney was ‘encouraged’ by England’s bright performance in their opening World Cup win over Croatia.
The Three Lions kick-started their World Cup campaign with a largely impressive 4-2 win over 2018 runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel’s side took the lead inside 13 minutes as Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot at the second attempt after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric.
Croatia’s equaliser came out of nowhere, Martin Baturina rifling a superb strike past Jordan Pickford after England gave the ball away inside their own half.
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
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Kane restored England’s lead with a thumping header from Declan Rice’s corner, equalling Gary Lineker as the nation’s top goalscorer in World Cup football.
But Croatia levelled proceedings again on the stroke of half-time, Petar Musa volleying home after a neat attack exposed England’s defence.
Euro 2024 finalists England came flying out the traps for the start of the second half and Jude Bellingham finished a brilliant run with an equally brilliant finish into the bottom corner.
England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026
England’s players celebrate against Croatia (Picture: Getty)
The Three Lions then missed a number of chances to put the game to bed as they launched attack after attack on the Croatia goal.
But England finally put the game to bed through Marcus Rashford, who combined with fellow substitutes Bukayo Saka and Djed Spence to score a late fourth.
Rooney was ‘encouraged’ by England’s performance in Dallas and singled out Madueke for special praise after he got the nod in the right-wing position ahead of Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka.
England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026
Noni Madueke speaking with Thomas Tuchel (Picture: Getty)
‘England played alright in the first half, they were in control and it was just two poor goals they conceded,’ Rooney told BBC Sport.
‘But I was encouraged because you knew if they kept playing the way that they were, they would get more chances.
‘They were getting into a good shape and they were being patient. Noni Madueke was really good on the right, he was an outlet for England. It was a good and controlled performance.’
Rooney also praised Madueke for his involvement in Bellingham’s goal, noting how his ‘great run’ gave the Real Madrid midfielder space to advance into the Croatia box.
‘It’s a good finish from Jude Bellingham and it’s a great run from Noni Madueke to make the space for him,’ Rooney added. ‘Bellingham drives into the box and it’s a good finish.’
Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson also praised ‘so intelligent’ Madueke for his role in Bellingham’s crucial goal.
‘That is why Jude Bellingham is in the side. A brilliant ball around the corner from Elliot Anderson,’ he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘Noni Madueke is so intelligent, he knows Bellingham is running into his space, so Madueke takes the defenders away.
‘Bellingham doesn’t hit the cleanest of shots, but he and Thomas Tuchel don’t care. A brilliant individual goal from Bellingham.’
More to follow…
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