A “totally different England” revives title hopes, but defense worries
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
England's offensive performance against Croatia won over the British press and revived the Three Lions' ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. But several editorials are sounding the alarm about a fragile defense, particularly in the first period, which Tuchel will absolutely have to improve.
England launched their 2026 World Cup perfectly by winning 3-2 against Croatia, a success which immediately caused renewed optimism in the British media. The meeting, played in Dallas, did not lack spectacle and offered a first impression very different from recent English selections.
The BBC was enthusiastic: after years sometimes considered unattractive, England delivered “a match from which we could not look away”, underlining the spectacular nature of the meeting and the pleasure experienced by the supporters. But the channel also tempered its observation by noting defensive concerns, particularly in the first half, and by estimating that the team will have to defend better against stronger opponents.
Sky Sports notes a clear opposition with Gareth Southgate's England who reached the Euro 2024 final: where the defense was then solid and the attack dependent on individual flashes, Tuchel's England this time appeared "nervous at the back but relentless up front". The media emphasizes the feeling shared by the fans after the match: a lot of joyful elements in attack, but reasons for concern for the hinge.
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The Daily Mail goes in the same direction and warns that the defense must quickly stabilize if England are to claim to go far in the competition. The daily reminds, however, that with leading offensive elements – Harry Kane at the forefront and Jude Bellingham as relay – the selection has significant potential to impose its law.
Bellingham's performance was also decisive: his goal, which turned the game around and sealed the 3-2 victory, was praised by The Guardian, which also underlined the impact of the changes made by Thomas Tuchel. The entry of Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Djed Spence energized the attack and made it possible to maintain the advantage despite a defense considered too crumbly.
In the end, England leaves its first match with a victory that brings hope - and a clear warning: if the offensive performance gives reason to believe in an ambitious journey, defensive solidity remains the sine qua non condition for transforming this enthusiasm into a profound journey at the 2026 World Cup.