The Three Lions made a strong start when Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric inside the area. Kane's first effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic, but the penalty was ordered to be retaken after the goalkeeper moved off his line too early. England's captain made no mistake with his second attempt, scoring on his landmark 30th appearance at a major tournament.

Croatia quickly hit back through Martin Baturina, whose powerful strike beat Jordan Pickford. England restored their lead before the break when Kane headed home from a Declan Rice corner, drawing level with Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for England.

However, England's defensive problems surfaced again just before half-time. Ivan Perisic headed the ball into the path of Petar Musa, who finished calmly to make it 2-2 and leave Tuchel frustrated heading into the dressing room.

The England manager resisted the temptation to criticise his players and instead delivered a message that inspired an immediate response.

Speaking after the match, Kane revealed: "He told us to take the shackles off, calm down and let's go. He said what's the worst that can happen? Show the world who we can be."

Tuchel later explained his approach.

"I said even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days. But let's do it our way," he said.

"We're too focused on the result. If something happens and the result doesn't go our way, we still want to play the match the way we want to."

England responded within two minutes of the restart. Jude Bellingham, becoming the youngest European player to appear at four different major tournaments, finished brilliantly from a tight angle after being played through by Elliot Anderson.

The goal sparked England into life. Rice, Anthony Gordon and Nico O'Reilly were all denied by an inspired Livakovic, who produced a series of excellent saves to keep Croatia in the contest.

Bellingham praised Tuchel's influence, saying: "It wasn't one of those where there was big drama. He wasn't shouting. It was just what the team needed."

Rice echoed those sentiments, adding: "The words he used settled everyone. Everyone went out in the second half relaxed and we just went for it."

Croatia threatened occasionally, with Pickford producing an important save from Marco Pasalic, but England eventually secured the points when two substitutes combined late on. Bukayo Saka burst forward from the right before setting up Marcus Rashford, who calmly finished past Livakovic to seal the victory.

The result gives England an ideal start in Group L and plenty of confidence ahead of their next match against Ghana on 23 June.

Thamsanqa Sangweni snapped up by KZN ABC Motsepe League side Dlangezwa Hellenic