England versus Croatia at the 2026 World Cup provided heaps of entertainment, heading into the break level at 2-2.
The game's first two chances for either side came from corners — first, Josip Sutalo struck an ambitious volley over the bar from a Croatia set piece, then Luka Modric gave away a penalty in the scuffle following England's first corner.
Harry Kane missed at the first time of asking, however, the decision to re-take the penalty was made following two offences from Croatia.
Gary Neville reveals England defence concern
England's bagsman didn't miss again, tapping into the same code that has seen him convert regularly for Bayern Munich since joining the German side in 2023.
Kane struck again later, repeating the brace he scored in England's 2018 World Cup opener vs Tunisia, with a thunderous header.
Between those two strikes, Croatia levelled the score at 1-1 courtesy of a glorious Martin Baturina hit that Jordan Pickford was unable to prevent from entering the goal, despite getting a hand to it.
And after Kane's header made the score 2-1, the Croatians fought back once more, conceding a late Petar Musa volley just on the stroke of half-time.
In response, Gary Neville expressed horror at the one England concern he prayed that Three Lions fans wouldn't see, now actualised against Croatia, involving the national side's centre-back pairing.
"The one thing I didn't want from this game was for [England's] defence to be vulnerable", confessed Neville.
"They've gone in at half-time in the first game at the World Cup and conceded two goals, and that's concerning.
"The vulnerability... is [Ezri] Konsa and [John] Stones a partnership that can win us a World Cup? We're going have to protect that back four in the second half," continued Neville.
Ian Wright added that England's chaotic and "nervous" playing style was a worry, but that fans would embrace the football if it results in victories.
The Three Lions head into their Group L opener's second half looking to find another lead, and maintain it this time.
