TalismanDeveloping
England are up and running
England got the job done, 4–2 against Croatia in the group stage. A good day at the office for ours — exactly the start you want, and the kind of result that makes the next one feel lighter.
England v Croatia
93OurXI Strength72
★ The storyline
★ Emerging starDeveloping
England tops Group L with measured authority
England negotiated a tricky group with a commanding 2-0 finish over Panama, enough to claim top spot in Group L and advance as clear favourites. Croatia's spirited campaign saw them pip Ghana to the runners-up prize, though a late goal ruled out by VAR meant Panama departed as the tournament's sole scoreless team — an unwanted footnote after failing to register across their group matches. The Three Lions have positioned themselves well for the knockout stages, though questions linger about whether this measured dominance will translate when the pressure truly mounts.
Petar Sučić
Golden BootDeveloping
England's Day in the Dallas Sun
England rolled through their Group L finale with a commanding performance, Marcus Rashford among the goals as they put four past Croatia in Arlington. It was a statement finish to the group stage — clinical, dominant, the sort of display that teams chase heading into the knockout rounds. With Colombia setting the early pace in the group, England's big scoreline underlines their firepower when everything clicks.
Marcus Rashford
TalismanDeveloping
Three Lions Break the Mould with Ruthless Croatia Dismantling
After a cautious opening, England delivered a statement performance against Croatia, serving up the kind of attacking fluency that has often eluded them at tournaments. A four-goal demolition marks a sharp departure from their Ghana encounter and signals they may finally have found their rhythm in North America. With everything pointing toward a decisive showdown against Ghana to come, Gareth Southgate's side have shown they can hurt opponents when it matters.
Harry Kane
TalismanDeveloping
England Held By Ghana in Goalless Stalemate
England's World Cup campaign began with frustration rather than flourish as they were held to a scoreless draw by Ghana, a result that left both sides with work to do. Late chances went begging for the Three Lions, highlighting the clinical finishing and defensive solidity required to progress in a competitive tournament. The stalemate raises early questions about England's ability to break down stubborn opponents and build momentum from the opening whistle.
Harry Kane
TalismanDeveloping
England's Endless Quest: Another World Cup, Another Chance
England arrives at the 2026 World Cup again burdened by the weight of talent and the shadow of their last triumph in 1966. The Three Lions have a squad stacked with world-class names but a World Cup drought stretching decades — and this group stage against Ghana and Croatia offers an early test of whether this generation can finally deliver. England started brightly, already securing two wins in Group L, but the tournament is far from won and the needle remains the same: potential must become silverware.
TalismanDeveloping
Tuchel's Vision Takes Flight
England made a statement in its opener, dispatching Croatia with a commanding 4-2 victory that showcased the attacking football Tuchel has been building towards. The second half in particular was a masterclass in free-flowing movement and clinical finishing, among the tournament's most convincing performances so far. With that blueprint in place, England heads into the next phase with genuine belief that this could be their tournament.
Thomas Tuchel
TalismanDeveloping
England in command: Croatia clash could seal group destiny
England sit atop Group L with three points and a positive goal difference after the opening phase of matches, putting them in a commanding position to progress. A draw against Croatia would likely guarantee safe passage, though the tournament structure means even a loss could still see them advance as one of the best third-place teams. The clash with the Balkan side offers England a chance to finish the group stage business decisively.
ComebackDeveloping
Guehi waits in the wings as England's defence falters against Croatia
England's opening World Cup fixture against Croatia exposed weaknesses at the heart of their defence, with centre-back pairing John Stones and Ezri Konsa each culpable in the build-up to goals conceded. Marc Guehi, widely expected to be a cornerstone of England's tournament, finds himself watching from the bench after both starters struggled under pressure. Thomas Tuchel now faces a critical reshuffle decision as his side prepares for Ghana, with the question of whether his current defensive partnership can carry England through a gruelling tournament hanging in the balance.
Marc GuehiJohn StonesEzri Konsa
Why it matters
Ours are out — England have a job to do in Group L.
Who to watch
★ Ours · Talisman
Harry Kane
England
The captain and focal point England lean on whenever the stakes climb.
vs
Veteran
Luka Modric
Croatia
Still conducting the midfield with that unhurried genius — the heartbeat of everything Croatia do.
Developing
England are through to the last 32
England are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.
Croatia are through to the last 32
Croatia are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.
England: the whole run, the whole way
From the group stage to the last kick of the summer — England went the whole way. A family that followed every minute of it now owns the best ending football can write. World champions.
England are world champions
Read it again slowly: England have won the World Cup. They beat France 6–4 in the final, and everything this family shouted at a screen all summer just turned into the story you'll be telling for the rest of your lives. Champions of the world.