Five Things We Learned From England 4-2 Croatia

Five Things We Learned From England 4-2 Croatia

England were victorious in their first group game, defeating Croatia 4-2. Thomas Tuchel's side were vibrant and exciting throughout the game, and despite some defensive woes, the side were devastating on attack.

England fans are rightfully excited after the game, but perhaps there are a few things that need to be worked on going forward.

Nonetheless, here are five things we learned from today's game.

1. If You Can't Be Brilliant, Don't Be Boring

Six goals were scored today, with England being pegged back twice by Croatia. At times, the defending on show was nowhere near the level it needed to be, leading many to believe England would blow it again.

However, the attacking play was nothing short of immaculate from England as they managed to outscore their oppositon. Playing intense pressure and aggression, England were able to win the wall back quickly and regain possession in high areas of the pitch. The attackers were clinical, and they took their chances brilliantly.

Previous England sides have had arguably more talent, but none of them ever moved like the attackers did tonight. Tuchel has rejuvenated the England front-line.

The standard has now been set, and England look set to bring fireworks in the USA.

2. Tuchel Has Got Kane Right

For years under Gareth Southgate, fans and pundits questioned how Harry Kane was being used. While the goals kept coming, England’s captain often looked isolated, with little opportunity to influence the game beyond finishing chances.

However, under Thomas Tuchel, Kane has been transformed. Fresh off a remarkable 64-goal season for Bayern Munich, there was never any doubt that he would be England’s biggest attacking weapon if deployed in the right system.

Tuchel has given him the freedom to roam, encouraging him to drop into deeper areas and link play while allowing England’s other forwards to stretch defences and exploit the space he creates. Kane’s elite finishing ability, accompanied with his underrated vision and passing range make him as much a deadly creator as a goalscorer.

A reinvented Harry Kane is a frightening prospect for the rest of the tournament, and his brace today was another reminder that, when used properly, he remains one of the most complete forwards in world football.

3. Versatility Is Key

In the World Cup, things are unpredictable. Teams come out looking completely different than they did on paper, injuries and fatigue set in, and sometimes things just don't go your way.

That's where versatility and adaptability play a huge role, and this England side has that in abundance.

Reece James began the game at right-back, but often dropped into a centre-back role during the game. As Declan Rice was substituted, James joined the midfield to form a pair with Jude Bellingham, who dropped back from attacking midfield.

Nico O'Reilly was fantastic in his role at left-back today, inverting and overlapping with ease and providing a real attacking outlet for the side.

Tuchel's squad choices were debated extensively, but this group of players are capable of acclimatising to the occasion.

4. Age Catches Up

Tonight, Luka Modric made his 199th appearance for Croatia as he led the team out with the armband. This is Modric's fifth World Cup appearance for his nation, and at 40-yeard old, this is testament to his dedication and commitment to the game.

However, Luka Modric looked like he's past it tonight. Spending a season in the Serie A with AC Milan, there is no doubt that Modric's game has slowed up in the last year. Despite being one of the greatest of all time in his position, there will always be a time where a player needs to hang up his boots.

Croatia have been a solid side in many international tournaments over the last decade, and it's not just Luka Modric who looks like he's getting on.

Sometimes, you just have to let the past be.

5. Set-Pieces Are Key

Countless times throughout this tournament, teams have scored from set-pieces. Today, England scored from two. One of their first corners resulted in a penalty, and the second was a cool header from Kane.

In tournament football, where the stakes are high and one moment of brilliance can decide the game, set-pieces have never been more important.

A perfect delivery means a lot more in these conditions.