England midfielder Declan Rice declared his side can 'beat any opponent' at the World Cup after a dominant 3-0 opening win over Croatia, dismissing fears tied to the nation’s 60-year trophy drought. Rice called the victory a 'benchmark' for the Three Lions’ campaign, framing it as proof of their readiness for the 2026 tournament. The statement came hours after England’s clinical display in Nice, where goals from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane sealed a statement victory.
England’s manager praised the intensity and cohesion, while Croatia’s coach admitted his side was outplayed across all phases. The win marked England’s first competitive match since the Euro 2024 quarter-final exit and their first World Cup qualifier since 2022. Rice’s comments underscored a shift in tone, replacing past caution with outright confidence.
The midfielder’s assertion—'anyone can beat anyone'—was echoed by teammates in the mixed zone, where players spoke of a 'winning mentality' taking root. Analysts noted England’s pressing triggers and defensive solidity as foundations for a deeper run. England’s tactical evolution under their manager has been stark: the side now deploys a fluid system that shifts between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, allowing them to overload midfields and stretch defenses with overlapping full-backs.
This adaptability wasn’t just theoretical—Croatia’s midfield, anchored by Marcelo Brozović’s successor, struggled to contain the transitions, while England’s front three forced errors that led to turnovers in dangerous areas. Rice’s remarks were met with cautious optimism from pundits, who pointed to England’s depth and tournament pedigree. Former captain Gary Lineker called the performance 'exactly what we needed' but warned that Croatia’s struggles don’t guarantee success against sterner opposition.
8) as key indicators of dominance. The victory lifted England to the top of their qualifying group, though Rice insisted the focus remains on incremental progress. The xG figure, while strong, also reflected England’s efficiency in front of goal—converting two of their three big chances—while Croatia managed just one shot on target.
This clinical edge, combined with the squad’s ability to rotate key players without dropping intensity, suggests depth is no longer a theoretical advantage but a tactical reality. Historically, England’s World Cup campaigns have been marred by early exits and underperformance, often attributed to psychological pressure and tactical rigidity. Rice’s bold statement, however, reflects a cultural shift within the squad, one that embraces ambition over caution.
The win over Croatia not only boosts morale but also sends a message to rivals: England is no longer content with incremental progress. Instead, they aim to set the pace in their qualifying group and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in 2026. The psychological edge matters because early momentum in qualifiers can shape squad morale and fan expectations ahead of a tournament where even small advantages often decide knockout ties.
England’s next step is to test this newfound confidence against Italy, a team with a similar pedigree and a history of grinding out results under pressure. ' For decades, the national team’s reputation hinged on collapses against perceived equals, but this performance dismantled that myth. The midfield trio of Rice, Bellingham, and Foden controlled tempo and transitions, while Kane’s movement dragged Croatia’s defense into disarray.
The defensive structure, marshaled by John Stones and Conor Coady, allowed England to press high without leaving gaps. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that England can dictate terms against Europe’s elite, not just grind out results against weaker opponents. The tactical flexibility on display suggests the team has moved beyond the rigid systems that once stifled creativity, allowing individual brilliance to flourish within a structured framework.
What's next: England face Italy on October 12 in London, a match that could further solidify their psychological edge ahead of the World Cup draw in December. A win against Italy would not only extend their unbeaten run but also signal to the rest of Europe that England are ready to challenge for the title, not just participate in it. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Rice’s declaration flips the script on England’s World Cup narrative, replacing historic underachievement with swagger. The psychological edge matters because early momentum in qualifiers can shape squad morale and fan expectations ahead of a tournament where even small advantages often decide knockout ties. The tactical evolution—fluid formations, clinical finishing, and defensive solidity—suggests England are no longer a team defined by past failures but by their ability to adapt and dominate. This isn’t just about beating Croatia; it’s about proving they can sustain this level against the continent’s best.
Frequently asked
What was the score and scorers for England vs Croatia?
England beat Croatia 3-0, with goals from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane in the World Cup qualifier.
Where did the England vs Croatia match take place?
The match was played in Nice, France, as part of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
What did Declan Rice say about England’s World Cup chances?
Rice stated England can 'beat any opponent' at the World Cup after the Croatia win, calling it a 'benchmark' for their campaign.
Who praised England’s performance after the match?
England’s manager praised the team’s intensity and cohesion, while Croatia’s coach admitted his side was outplayed.
When is England’s next qualifier and who are they facing?
England face Italy on October 12 in London in their next 2026 World Cup qualifier.
How did England’s xG and possession stats compare to Croatia’s?
England recorded 62% possession and an xG of 2.8, while Croatia managed just one shot on target, highlighting England’s dominance in both control and efficiency.
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