Kane double sinks Croatia in World Cup opener

Kane brace buries Croatia 4–2

England 4–2 Croatia. Harry Kane scored twice, and Thomas Tuchel called it "the full package" (1). Your team looked nothing like the cautious Southgate years, this was fun, front-foot football from the first whistle (3). Kane was unplayable. Tuchel: "A complete performance. Absolute leader. He's all in. Physically, mentally" (1).

Saka held back until Panama

Bukayo Saka is not starting the Ghana game. Tuchel said the winger will be eased through training and is unlikely to start until the final group match against Panama (4). It is a managed return, not a fresh injury, but the timeline means two games without him from the start.

Neville: France still the team to beat

Gary Neville loved the performance but is not getting carried away. France remain favourites in his eyes, even after England's statement win (6). The 4–2 scoreline was convincing, but Neville is holding the line: one big performance does not shift the tournament hierarchy.

Tuchel got FIFA to move the photographers

Thomas Tuchel complained that photographers were blocking his view during the national anthem. FIFA agreed and changed the position for future matches (9) (11) (12). Small detail, but it tells you how dialled in Tuchel is, nothing slips past him.

Mexico wait in the last 16, if England win the group

Mexico beat South Korea 1–0 to become the first side through to the knockout stage (8). If England top Group H, a last-16 clash against Mexico at the Azteca is on the cards. That is a serious test, altitude, hostility, and a team already battle-hardened.

Rashford linked to Newcastle after Gordon's Barcelona move

Newcastle are considering Marcus Rashford as an Anthony Gordon replacement after Gordon's move to Barcelona (14). Rashford's lively cameo against Croatia did not go unnoticed. Eddie Howe has multiple names on the list, but Rashford's England showing pushed him up it.

Man United and Villa circling Croatia's goalscorer

Remember the stunning goal Croatia scored against England? The player who hit it plays for Como, and Manchester United and Aston Villa are both interested. Como have already turned down a £43.4m bid (13). That goal just added a few million to the price.

Fan reactions

England fans serenaded Jude Bellingham with 'Hey Jude' and a standing ovation after his performance against Croatia, and the clip is doing the rounds on Reddit. The mood is sky-high, one fan shared a New York Times re-ranking that has England justifying their pre-tournament status while Portugal slide. Watch the Bellingham ovation