World Cup 2026: England's attack overwhelms Croatia - Statistical analysis 

England opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia, and the statistics show why Thomas Tuchel's side emerged as deserved winners in a thrilling Group L encounter.

England created significantly more chances, generated almost four times Croatia's expected goals tally, and constantly threatened the Croatian defence throughout the match.

The most telling statistic was expected goals (xG). England finished with an outstanding 2.80 xG compared to Croatia's 0.71, highlighting the quality of chances created by the Three Lions. England also recorded 3.20 expected goals on target (xGOT), showing that their finishing consistently tested Dominik Livaković.

Despite enjoying only a slight advantage in possession (52% to 48%), England were far more dangerous in attacking areas. They registered 22 shots compared to Croatia's 10, while producing 11 shots on target and forcing Livaković into seven saves. Croatia managed only five shots on target and generated just two big chances throughout the match.

England's dominance inside the penalty area was another key factor. The Three Lions recorded 36 touches in the opposition box, more than double Croatia's 17. They also created seven big chances, demonstrating how frequently they opened up the Croatian defence. The only concern for Tuchel will be that England missed five of those opportunities, meaning the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.

Set pieces also played an important role. England generated 0.84 xG from set-play situations, while their eight corners constantly placed Croatia under pressure. Croatia, by contrast, won only two corners during the entire match.

While England were dominant offensively, Croatia showed resilience and punished defensive lapses. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa both scored before halftime, briefly putting England under pressure despite Croatia creating relatively few chances. This suggests that defensive concentration remains an area Tuchel may want to address before facing Ghana and Panama in the remaining group matches.

The passing statistics reveal a closely contested midfield battle, with both teams completing passes at 86% accuracy. Croatia actually completed more passes in England's half than expected, but they struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities.

Harry Kane's brace, Jude Bellingham's goal, and Marcus Rashford's late strike ultimately reflected England's attacking superiority. The statistics support the view shared by many observers after the match: England were the better side and could easily have scored more than four goals.

For England, the victory provides the perfect start to their World Cup campaign. For Croatia, the result leaves little room for error in their remaining Group L fixtures.