FIFA World Cups are known for their overreaction from fans and experts. One poor defensive showing, one poor half against a quality opposition, and suddenly, a contender is no longer a contender.
England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener served as a reminder of why Thomas Tuchel's side and Harry Kane shouldn't be written off.
Against Croatia, Kane attempted three shots in total and had a 90 per cent passing accuracy. He also made one crucial block, denying a late Josko Gvardiol attempt.
Kane was at the heart of everything. He scored twice, although the first goal was a little bit lucky. England were awarded a penalty, and he missed the initial attempt as Dominik Livakovic was ruled to have come off his line too early. He converted his retaken penalty and then added another through a trademark header from a Declan Rice corner kick.
The brace took Kane's World Cup tally to 10 goals, drawing level with Gary Lineker as England's all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cups.
It also immediately placed him among the early Golden Boot contenders.
Golden Boots in FIFA World Cups are rarely won by a one-game goal blitz. They are clinched through consistency, and Kane is the perfect example of that.
In the 2018 World Cup, he won the Golden Boot with six goals. In Qatar, he scored two more and has begun the 2026 campaign with a brace.
Under Tuchel, England has a strong supporting cast behind Kane. Jude Bellingham was stunning against Croatia, scoring England's third in the second half. Noni Madueke's direct running won the penalty in the first half. Meanwhile, substitute Bukayo Saka showed his creative abilities with an assist for Marcus Rashford.
Croatia failed to contain England once the game opened up in the second half. Golden Boot winners need a supporting cast, and the second half showed that England has enough creativity within its ranks.
Kane excels when he is surrounded by runners and creators. England has both of them in abundance.
