One-two, almost a knockout with minimal effort. A penalty with a certain authorial touch — slightly clouded by a contentious retake — and a header from a corner, alone, too alone for a player like him.
It could hardly have started better for Harry Kane and England, beating Croatia 4–2 in one of the most open, unrestrained games of the tournament so far.
A surprise, especially when measured against England under Gareth Southgate: the occasional rout — twice hitting six goals between 2018 and 2022 — but usually against lesser opposition, otherwise defined by caution, defensive control, and a lack of invention that always felt slightly at odds with the talent of Bellingham and those around him.
Tuchel’s imprint is already visible. So is the unusual deployment of his captain. The Bayern forward moves like a pendulum: from the centre of attack into midfield, dropping to receive, distributing, dictating, then attacking space again. A complete Kane, now approaching 32.
When the team flows, everything stretches with it. The running becomes more economical, energy more evenly shared. Against a strong Croatia side, England registered 22 shots, 11 on target, taking control early in the second half and never looking back.
Kane was everywhere in it. Almost an auxiliary playmaker alongside Rice and Bellingham — almost removed, in fact: Bellingham attempted 24 passes, Kane 21, with nine touches in the opposition box, more than anyone else on the pitch. At times he was even pressing Modrić, deep in Croatia’s half.
The map of the 35 balls played by Kane, according to the data from Whoscored. For clarity, it should be noted that England, in this graphic field, attacks from left to right.
Bellingham’s goal early in the second half grows from that movement, Kane pulling structures apart without touching the ball.
In the United States, Kane has now drawn level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer at World Cup finals: ten goals in 12 appearances. It could already be eleven, given the chances created under Tuchel, but the figure stands.
Tuchel himself has already become a subject of attention. Training methods, adjustments, details bordering on the obsessive, including climate considerations. A clear break with what came before: total focus on the tournament squad, rather than the broader managerial role associated with Southgate.
What emerges, at least for now, is a more defined England. More assertive. Willing to concede space but unafraid to carry quality into advanced areas. Playing, at times, almost for pleasure.
And through it all, Kane remains central. A utility forward in constant motion.