๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England Rewrite the Script — Kane & Bellingham Shine in World Cup Opener
18 June 2026 — By Alex Morgan, Sports Journalist
A new-look England side kicked off their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Croatia — and the performance felt like a departure from everything we've come to expect from the Three Lions on the big stage. Free-flowing, fearless, and finally fun.
Harry Kane scored twice and Jude Bellingham pulled the strings from midfield, earning high praise from manager Thomas Tuchel after the final whistle. "Harry was all-in tonight — his pressing, his link-up play, his finishing. And Jude? He's not just a talent, he's a team player. That's what makes this squad dangerous," Tuchel said in his post-match press conference.
The result marks England's best start to a World Cup in years, and the performance had a distinctly different feel. Ball retention was sharp, transitions were ruthless, and the Croatian defence — usually so well-drilled — was pulled apart by England's movement in the final third. The hydration breaks, met with some booing from fans, gave both sides a chance to reset, but England never lost their rhythm.
Elsewhere, Portugal have a Ronaldo problem — again. The veteran forward cut a frustrated figure as Congo stunned the Seleรงรฃo in a 2-2 draw. Ronaldo was visibly agitated with his teammates, and pundits are already questioning whether Portugal's attacking balance is being compromised. It's a familiar debate, but one that feels more urgent than ever with knockout football approaching.
In the Premier League, Liverpool have hijacked Newcastle's move for Spanish winger Munoz. Sources confirm the Reds have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, who was thought to be heading to St. James' Park. The deal represents a significant coup for Liverpool's recruitment team and adds more firepower to an already restructured forward line.
England's win over Croatia was just one of several talking points from the opening round of World Cup fixtures. Colombia edged Uzbekistan in a tense contest, while every team in the tournament has now been ranked from 1 to 48 by analysts after their first game. The early indicators? South America looks strong. Europe looks deep. And England? England look different.
For the first time in years, the Three Lions didn't just win — they entertained. The question now is whether they can sustain it.
Sources: Sky Sports, BBC Sport, ESPN | Two Kings Tips ⚽