Arsenal’s internationals provided the creative spark for England in their opening game of the World Cup, propelling the team to a 4-2 victory.
The big news in the build up to England’s game against Croatia on Wednesday night was that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka wouldn’t be starting the game due to his ongoing fitness concerns.
Saka is obviously one of England’s best players, so it’s always a bit worrying when he’s not in the team. But in this case it only meant that fellow Arsenal winger Noni Madueke would come into the team, and Saka’s replacement ended up helping England to break the deadlock.
Following a Declan Rice corner, Madueke snuck in ahead of Luka Modric to win the ball and draw a foul for a penalty, eventually converted by Harry Kane at the second attempt.
Rice’s corner deliveries were a huge threat on the night, and after Croatia drew level in the 35th minute, the Arsenal man found Kane for a headed goal in the 42nd minute for 2-1.
So much for those World Cup rule changes killing Arsenal players’ corners, eh?
Croatia levelled the scores once again just before the break, but Jude Bellingham gave England the lead for the third time in the match less than 90 seconds into the second half.
Saka was then introduced as a substitute, and he quickly made his presence felt. After excellent work on the right-hand side, Saka broke into the middle of the pitch and played a ball out to Marcus Rashford, who cut in and scored for 4-2.
All in all, Arsenal players provided two assists and won a penalty for three of England’s four goals on the night. Madueke could even claim some small credit for Bellingham’s goal, having left the ball to his England teammate before drawing defenders away with a run inside.
Tuchel had said after England’s last friendly that “we could see the impact of the Arsenal players coming into camp”, and there’s no doubt you could see their impact in the team’s opening game at the World Cup.
With Eberechi Eze still to make an appearance and Saka surely set for starts as the tournament goes on, there should be more to come.
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