Wayne Rooney singles out England star for praise after World Cup win over Croatia

Wayne Rooney analysing England’s win over Croatia (Picture: BBC)

Former captain Wayne Rooney was ‘encouraged’ by England’s bright performance in their opening World Cup win over Croatia.

The Three Lions kick-started their World Cup campaign with a largely impressive 4-2 win over 2018 runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel’s side took the lead inside 13 minutes as Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot at the second attempt after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric.

Croatia’s equaliser came out of nowhere, Martin Baturina rifling a superb strike past Jordan Pickford after England gave the ball away inside their own half.

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Kane restored England’s lead with a thumping header from Declan Rice’s corner, equalling Gary Lineker as the nation’s top goalscorer in World Cup football.

But Croatia levelled proceedings again on the stroke of half-time, Petar Musa volleying home after a neat attack exposed England’s defence.

Euro 2024 finalists England came flying out the traps for the start of the second half and Jude Bellingham finished a brilliant run with an equally brilliant finish into the bottom corner.

England’s players celebrate against Croatia (Picture: Getty)

The Three Lions then missed a number of chances to put the game to bed as they launched attack after attack on the Croatia goal.

But England finally put the game to bed through Marcus Rashford, who combined with fellow substitutes Bukayo Saka and Djed Spence to score a late fourth.

Rooney was ‘encouraged’ by England’s performance in Dallas and singled out Madueke for special praise after he got the nod in the right-wing position ahead of Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka.

Noni Madueke speaking with Thomas Tuchel (Picture: Getty)

‘England played alright in the first half, they were in control and it was just two poor goals they conceded,’ Rooney told BBC Sport.

‘But I was encouraged because you knew if they kept playing the way that they were, they would get more chances.

‘They were getting into a good shape and they were being patient. Noni Madueke was really good on the right, he was an outlet for England. It was a good and controlled performance.’

Jude Bellingham is there for the BIG moments 🤩

England straight back in front in the second half! pic.twitter.com/Uo6iI3mvpg

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026

Rooney also praised Madueke for his involvement in Bellingham’s goal, noting how his ‘great run’ gave the Real Madrid midfielder space to advance into the Croatia box.

‘It’s a good finish from Jude Bellingham and it’s a great run from Noni Madueke to make the space for him,’ Rooney added. ‘Bellingham drives into the box and it’s a good finish.’

Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson also praised ‘so intelligent’ Madueke for his role in Bellingham’s crucial goal.

Thomas Tuchel after England’s opening win (Picture: Getty)

‘That is why Jude Bellingham is in the side. A brilliant ball around the corner from Elliot Anderson,’ he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘Noni Madueke is so intelligent, he knows Bellingham is running into his space, so Madueke takes the defenders away.’

Discussing England’s performance more generally, Rooney said he ‘loved’ aspects of the display and hoped the ‘momentum’ can continue to build in the next two group games.

England have won 4-2 in a World Cup game for the first time since winning the 1966 final 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/L5iMNvnKyF

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 17, 2026

‘I loved it,’ Rooney said. ‘I thought it was a great performance.

‘They can do a little better with the two goals [they conceded] but so positive and getting to the ball, creating chances, making it hard for Croatia to get out.

‘That was as exciting a first game of a tournament I’ve seen for a long time. I think it was a great performance.

‘I think the main thing was making a positive start and for England to win the game was the main thing for me tonight and we’ve seen Argentina who have been brilliant.

‘France in the second half were brilliant but this tournament doesn’t start until the knockout stages and England will get to the knockout stages then it’ll start.

‘Now it’s about building momentum for when we get there.’

England continue their World Cup campaign against Ghana on Tuesday night before their final Group L game against Panama.

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