Harry Kane revealed a half-time “message” from manager Thomas Tuchel inspired England’s surge as they launched their World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia.
Tuchel’s side were pegged back to 2-2 at the interval in their Group L opener in Dallas after two Kane strikes were cancelled out by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa.
England raised the tempo after the break and won in commanding style after goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.
England captain Kane told ITV: “I thought it was a game of two halves. I thought first half we were OK but really disappointed to concede the way we did, the way we dropped off.
“Credit to the manager. The manager gave us a speech at half-time, just to say if we lose we lose, but we lose in our way.
“You saw that the way we came out in the second half, we came out full gas. They couldn’t live with it and that’s the level we have to set every game.
“Credit to everyone. The first game of the tournament. A great result against a tough side.”
England now play Ghana next Tuesday before facing Panama in their final group game a week on Saturday.
Kane added: “The intensity we went at – I think that’s our biggest strength. We are going to have to use that more this World Cup.”
Bellingham also felt Tuchel’s half-time team-talk had the desired effect.
The Real Madrid midfielder told ITV: “It wasn’t one of those where there was a big drama – he wasn’t standing up shouting. It was just what the team needed.
“We have a mature group, we have great leaders in there. Everyone knew the level we had to get to and why we weren’t hitting it. We were very clear in the second half and the early goal gave us the platform.”
He added: “The second half especially, we really showed what we are about. We created a nicer rhythm and that’s where we saw the best of us.”
Bellingham had been selected ahead of Morgan Rogers for the number-10 role.
Bellingham said: “It’s my responsibility to the team and country to give everything when I cross the line. I want to give everything I have with and without the ball to the team.
“I’ve missed more camps and more games than I would have liked but I’ve always got something in me when it comes to these times and I’ll step up for the team.”
