England (foto: Getty Images)
Harry Kane's calf strapping and Declan Rice's fitness concerns overshadowed England's impressive 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in Dallas.
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England's dream start to the World Cup was followed by fresh injury concerns after Harry Kane was seen wearing strapping on his calf following the 4-2 victory over Croatia.
The England captain produced a match-winning display in Dallas, scoring twice as the Three Lions opened their Group L campaign with an impressive victory.
Kane converted an early penalty before adding a powerful header to take his overall World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching Gary Lineker's all-time England World Cup scoring record.
Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals to seal the win.
Kane spotted with calf strapping
Despite completing the full 90 minutes, Kane was photographed after the match with noticeable strapping around his lower left leg.
The Bayern Munich striker later met family members inside the stadium, with the bandage clearly visible beneath his shorts.
England supporters will now be hoping the issue is only precautionary ahead of next week's clash against Ghana.
Rice also causes concern
England's worries did not end with Kane.
Declan Rice was substituted late in the match after appearing to struggle physically and was seen limping as he left the pitch.
The Arsenal midfielder had been influential throughout the contest, including delivering the corner that led to Kane's second goal.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted after the match that both players would be assessed.
"Let's see. I hope they're OK."
"I would never take Declan out normally."
"We are exhausted, but I loved exhausted players in the dressing room. It's pressure, it's the first game of the tournament."
Rice offers positive update
Rice quickly moved to calm fears about his condition.
"All good. Good as gold."
"Just what I've been nursing probably in the second half of the season at Arsenal, little neural pains here and there."
"But I'm all good, all fine, just precaution, and I'll be back out there against Ghana."
Tuchel's half-time intervention changed the game
England were twice pegged back by Croatia during a dramatic first half, but produced a far more aggressive display after the interval.
Kane and Rice later revealed that Tuchel delivered a passionate team talk during the break, demanding more intensity and urgency from his players.
The response was immediate.
Bellingham restored England's lead shortly after the restart before Rashford wrapped up the victory late on.
Attention now turns to Ghana, with England hoping both Kane and Rice will be available as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stages.