England’s World Cup began with noise and nerve in Arlington, where Harry Kane scored twice in a chaotic 4-2 win over Croatia before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford finished the job after Thomas Tuchel’s influential half-time reset. The result leaves England level on points in Group L with Ghana, who needed a rain-soaked, stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi to break Panama hearts in Toronto. Elsewhere, Colombia made an assured return to the tournament after missing 2022, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 behind a lively Luis Díaz, whose goal and assist set the tone in Mexico City. Portugal, by contrast, opened with frustration rather than fluency, drawing 1-1 with DR Congo as Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoreless run in major tournaments stretched on and scrutiny around Roberto Martinez’s side intensified. On a day of first statements, some contenders surged, while others were left searching for answers.