Thomas Tuchel praised England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham after a 4‑2 win over Croatia in Dallas. Kane scored twice, Bellingham added early in the second half, while Marcus Rashford finished the scoreline. The victory marks England’s first match of the 2026 World Cup against a determined Croatian side in a high‑stakes opener.

Tuchel singled out Kane’s defensive effort, noting a late block on a Gvardiol shot that earned the striker praise for commitment and leadership. Kane’s double levels Gary Lineker at 10 World Cup goals, cementing him as England’s all‑time top scorer. The coach praised his physical and mental focus in this crucial campaign for the national side.

Bellingham earned praise for his team play, overcoming a potential start clash with Morgan Rogers. Tuchel highlighted Bellingham’s reliability and willingness to embrace a different role from Real Madrid, emphasizing a collective mindset. The coach urged Rashford to stay hungry after his late goal, noting his recent resurgence and training intensity in the current squad dynamic.

England’s 4‑2 triumph sets a positive tone as they face Group L opponents Ghana and Panama next. Kane’s equal‑goal tally and Bellingham’s adaptability signal a versatile attack, while Rashford’s effort shows depth. The result boosts confidence and solidifies the squad’s readiness for the tournament’s early stage ahead of the high‑profile knockout fixtures.