Wayne Rooney singles out England star for praise after World Cup victory over Croatia
Wayne Rooney singles out England star – England’s opening match in the 2026 World Cup showcased a thrilling display of attacking flair and resilience as they defeated Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. The Three Lions, led by their veteran captain Wayne Rooney, delivered a performance that earned widespread acclaim, with several standout moments highlighted by the media and fans alike. Rooney, who retired from international duty in 2024, took to the podium to express his admiration for the team’s cohesion and tactical execution, particularly praising the contributions of emerging talent Noni Madueke.
England’s Dominant Start
The match began with England asserting their dominance early, as Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 13th minute. After Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric in a dangerous position, Kane calmly converted the resulting penalty, marking his third goal in World Cup history. This goal set the tone for a game that saw England’s attacking trio thrive, with Kane’s clinical finish proving pivotal in the first half.
However, Croatia’s response was swift and unexpected. Just before halftime, Martin Baturina struck a stunning long-range effort, finding the back of the net with a strike that defied gravity. The goal came after England’s defense momentarily lost possession, allowing the Croatian side to capitalize on a rare opportunity. Despite the setback, Rooney noted that England’s resilience in the second half would ultimately determine the outcome of the game.
Rooney’s Praise for Madueke
Rooney singled out Madueke as a critical figure in England’s victory, emphasizing the midfielder’s role in orchestrating key moments. ‘England played alright in the first half, they were in control and it was just two poor goals they conceded,’ Rooney remarked in an interview with BBC Sport. He praised Madueke’s ‘great run’ that created space for Jude Bellingham to unleash a breathtaking finish, calling the player’s contribution ‘incredible.’
‘It’s a good finish from Jude Bellingham and it’s a great run from Noni Madueke to make the space for him. Bellingham drives into the box and it’s a good finish.’
Madueke’s performance in the right-wing position, replacing Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, was a key factor in England’s attacking success. Rooney highlighted how the young midfielder’s intelligence and positioning allowed the team to maintain control, even after conceding goals. ‘Noni Madueke was really good on the right, he was an outlet for England. It was a good and controlled performance,’ he added.
The second half saw England regroup and dominate, with Bellingham’s goal proving to be the match’s turning point. The Real Madrid midfielder, who had been introduced as a substitute, showcased his composure by finishing a flowing attack with a strike that found the bottom corner. This goal not only restored England’s lead but also sent a clear message that their team was ready to compete at the highest level.
Croatia’s Comebacks and England’s Composure
Croatia, a team known for their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess, managed to level the score just before the break. Petar Musa’s volley, following a well-executed attack, brought the hosts back into contention. However, England’s ability to adapt and maintain their composure in the second half proved decisive. The Three Lions created numerous chances, with Rashford sealing the win in stoppage time after a well-organized sequence involving substitutes Bukayo Saka and Djed Spence.
Rooney also commended England’s ability to ‘make a positive start’ and secure a crucial three-point victory. ‘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,’ he said. The former captain acknowledged that the match’s intensity was reminiscent of historic World Cup games, calling it ‘as exciting a first game of a tournament I’ve seen for a long time.’
Support from Other Analysts
Rooney’s praise was echoed by ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who highlighted Madueke’s role in Bellingham’s goal. ‘Noni Madueke is so intelligent, he knows Bellingham is running into his space, so Madueke takes the defenders away,’ Robinson explained on BBC Radio 5 Live. This tactical awareness, Robinson argued, was a testament to Madueke’s growth as a player and his potential to impact future matches.
While Rooney focused on Madueke’s contributions, the broader narrative of England’s performance was equally impressive. The team’s ability to control the tempo of the game, despite conceding twice, demonstrated their maturity on the global stage. Analysts noted that England’s attacking style, which blends precision with physicality, could be a defining trait of their campaign.
Looking Ahead to the Group Stage
With the opening victory secured, England now turn their attention to the next phase of the tournament. The Three Lions will face Ghana in their second group match on Tuesday night, followed by a decisive encounter against Panama in the final Group L game. Rooney expressed hope that the momentum from this win would carry into future matches, stating, ‘I think the main thing was making a positive start and for England to win the game was the main thing for me tonight.’
Rooney’s insights were part of a broader discussion on England’s prospects in the tournament. While acknowledging Argentina’s brilliance and France’s second-half resurgence, he stressed that the true test of the teams would come in the knockout stages. ‘This tournament doesn’t start until the knockout stages, and England will get to them then it’ll start,’ he added, signaling confidence in the team’s ability to progress.
The victory also underscored the significance of England’s attacking trio. Kane’s goal, Bellingham’s finish, and Rashford’s late strike all highlighted the team’s depth and creativity. Analysts pointed out that such performances could set the tone for England’s journey, particularly as they aim to build on their early success. The 4-2 result, the first time England had achieved this margin since the 1966 World Cup final, was a major milestone for the squad.
As the World Cup continues, fans and pundits are already looking forward to England’s next matches. The Three Lions’ ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities will be crucial in maintaining their position in the group. With Rooney’s words serving as a reminder of the team’s potential, England’s campaign appears to be off to a strong start, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
