Gary Neville believes England produced their best football at the World Cup so far in their second-half performance against Croatia, but remains unconvinced that Thomas Tuchel’s side should be considered favorites for the tournament.
England bounced back from a chaotic first half to beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener, and Neville was particularly impressed by the fluency and intensity of Tuchel’s side after the break.
“The way England played for the first 10 minutes and 15 minutes of the second half was probably the best 10 minutes and 15 minutes I’ve seen from any team so far in the tournament,” Neville said. Sky Sports News.
Thomas Tuchel in the World Cup opener against Croatia
“There’s a long way to go and we don’t need to get too excited because we know the football game won’t last more than 10 or 15 minutes.
“It was really brave. It was a good night for him. The team was fantastic in the second half. It was a good performance.”
Neville was particularly impressed by Tuchel’s decision-making on the touchline after England went 3-2 up.
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England in January 2025.
“I thought you don’t see many managers making those types of substitutions when England are 3-2 up.
“It was a really aggressive move to not only replace three players at the same time, but to put Jude Bellingham back in central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
“I don’t think many managers would do that.”
Neville: France still favorites to win World Cup
Despite England’s encouraging start, Neville said he was sticking to his pre-tournament expectations.
“I said before the tournament that I thought France would win and I wouldn’t change that now.
“I don’t think we’ve seen enough yet, it’s too early in the tournament and it’s definitely too early to say that England will win it.
“I know people probably want to hear that. It was a really good start for us. We have a long way to go.”
Neville welcomes Kane and Bellingham after Croatia win
England’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a goal against Croatia.
Neville also hailed Harry Kane after the captain scored against Croatia, describing the Bayern Munich striker as England’s only truly world-class player.
“There have been great strikers who have played in England over the last 100 years, but he is truly special.
“He is, truly, I believe the only world-class player we have at the moment. Harry Kane is there. He is at the top of that mountain right now. England as a whole are strong, they are very strong.”
Neville also played a leading role in England’s opening win and was full of praise for Jude Bellingham, who impressed him with his performance and attitude before kick-off.
“He is a superstar. Watching him in the tunnel before the game, he looked comfortable, like he belonged. It seemed like it was something he did every day with great ease.
“I thought he was great last night.
“Whether he was playing in a number 10 role or playing deeper at the end, he was a brilliant player and arguably the best player in England.”
England’s focus now shifts to Ghana in their second Group L match, with Tuchel’s side aiming to build on their impressive opening win to move one step closer to the knockout stages.
