Modric and Croatia beaten 3–0 by England in Group L opener

Modric and Croatia fall to England in Dallas

England 3–0 Croatia in the Group L opener in Dallas. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice and Bukayo Saka added a third. It is England's first World Cup win against a top-15 side since 2002.

Modric started and did what he always does, kept the ball, found pockets, tried to pull strings. It was not enough. England were sharper, faster, and Tuchel had every set-piece mapped out.

What hurts

No shots on target in the first half. England controlled the midfield, and Croatia's defensive shape cracked under direct running. Calvert-Lewin's opener came from a set-piece, exactly the area Henderson flagged pre-match, when he called Modric the best midfielder he has ever faced.

What comes next

Croatia are bottom of Group L. The second match is must-win territory. No margin left.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood is subdued but not catastrophic. One thread noted England had not beaten a top-15 side at a World Cup since 2002, putting the loss in perspective. Most fans accept the gulf in quality on the night, though frustration lingers over the set-piece defending. Read the discussion here.