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.
- Arsenal defensive target now set to join Inter MilanArsenal are set to miss out on one of their shortlisted defensive transfer additions, with John Stones edging towards a free transfer to Inter Milan.
- The FA confirm 3 new anti-timewasting rulesThe FA have confirmed that the International Football Association Board have approved a new goalkeeper injury trial for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
- Former Arsenal fan favourite training with Crystal Palace ahead of possible moveTakehiro Tomiyasu’s move to Venezia is still on, but the Serie A club need to make squad space before they can formally register the former Arsenal defender.
- 2 Arsenal World Cup internationals to join pre-season this weekArsenal’s Brazilian World Cup duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are set to link up with their Gunners teammates this week, despite not being on the first plane to Girona.
- Arsenal push hard to sign young Crystal Palace strikerArsenal are pushing to sign Crystal Palace youth striker Mylo Bernard this summer, according to a report.