JONATHAN SHALLARD in DALLAS —- England are off an running at the World Cup finals and so is captain Harry Kane who scored twice in the 4-2 defeat of Croatia to stamp his name on the tournament, just as had Leo Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The Three Lions conceded two sloppy first half goals hut reacted magnificently immediately after halftime to regain control. They might have scored more in a 15-minute purple patch but for the brilliance of Croatia keeper Dominik Levakovic.

Manager Thomas Tuchel said: “The first half was a bit complicated, nervy. We were not brave enough and I loved the reaction of the players in the second half. It took us a while to get going but we deserved to win. Today there are only positives and tomorrow we fix all the other stuff.”

This was the first time England had won 4-2 in the World Cup since the victory over West Germany in the 1996 final.

Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric – in his 199th international – fouled Noni Madueke. Livakovic saved his first attempt but a retake was ordered beause he had been too early off his line.

Croatia, who beat England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, levelled after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.

Kane, inevitably, restored England’s lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.

England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic’s header beyond Pickford.

Jude Bellingham showed exactly why manager Thomas Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.

Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana in Boston.

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