Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they overpowered Croatia in a thriller in Dallas.

Thomas Tuchel's side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower to finally overcome Croatia and set the platform for progress in Group L.

Harry Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline.

Croatia, always dangerous opponents, were level after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.

Kane, inevitably, restored England's lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.

England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford.

Jude Bellingham showed exactly why Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.

Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana in Boston.

Now that we have recapped last night's games, let's turn our attention to tonight's fixtures.

Starting off with England v Ghana, kick-off at 21:00 BST.

England are at the top of Group L, as it stands, ahead of Ghana on goal difference.

But first, what happened in England's first group stage game against Croatia?

Norway

As things stand, Norway will face the Ivory Coast in the round of 32. If they progress to the next round, they will face the winners of Brazil v Japan.

In the quarter-finals, they will face the winners of Mexico v Cape Verde/England v Portugal.

If they progress to the semi-final, they would face the winners of W-16-7 v W-16-8.

Norway

Image source, Getty Images

Opta's Super computer has predicted every nations chances of reaching the next stages of the 2026 World Cup.

Norway have a prediction of 21.43% to reach the semi-finals.

Their chance of reaching the final is 11.04% and 5.05% chance of becoming champions.

France

As things stand, France are at the top of Group I on six points, ahead of Norway on goal difference.

If they remain at the top of the group after the final group stage match, this is what their route to the final will look like.

In the round of 32, France will face Sweden. Should they progress to the round of 16, they will face the winners of Germany v Scotland.

In the quarter-final stage, they will face the winner of South Korea v Switzerland/Netherlands v Morocco.

At the semi-final stage, they would face the winners of W-16-5 v W-16-6.

Should they reach another World Cup final, they would face the winners of the other semi-final game.

Image source, Getty Images

Ashley Williams
Former Wales defender on BBC One

Are we looking at the greatest player ever? It's possible.

It's definitely worth the debate.

We might have just witnessed the greatest player that football has ever seen.

Chris Sutton
Former England forward on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas Stadium

I suppose the negative side for Lionel Scaloni is he probably wants other players to contribute with goals. They can't just rely on Messi, or can they?

Will the defending champions defend their crown? Opta say Argentina have a 13.62% chance of going all the way once again, narrowly behind France and Spain.

The supercomputer says they have a 24.54% chance of reaching the final. As it stands, they're set to play Uruguay in the last 32.

Do you think we'll see Messi lifting the trophy again come Sunday 19th July?

Image source, Getty Images

Olivier Giroud
Former France forward on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

For a few years now, Lionel Messi is recovering when Argentina have the ball and then doing his magic when the ball comes to him.

He is not suffering physically, he is managing his healthy lifestyle well - he has to because otherwise you cannot stay playing that long.

He's unbelievable. He has been blessed that he can just play game after game.

Argentina

It's currently Uruguay for Messi & co. in the last 32. Should they win, they would play the winners of Australia and Iran.

In the quarter-finals, it would currently be one of Canada, Belgium, Colombia and Paraguay.

A potential date with England or Brazil could await in the semi-finals, while a rematch with France or Spain could be their opponents in the final.

See the current picture for the knockout stages as it stands here

Image source, Getty Images

Guillem Balague
Spanish football journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas Stadium

Lionel Messi actually drops deeper, so that he can see the whole of the pitch.

For him, it has always been about intelligence.

With him being involved it means winning, which has happened since he was 11. The whole team plays for him.

There is an emotional side to things where I am not sure everyone wants Ronaldo to succeed at Portugal.

Image source, Getty Images

Tim Vickery
BBC Sport South American football expert

The Gods of football obviously didn't want him to break the record with a penalty, they wanted him to break the record with a goal from open play.

The team helps to make the stars. Over the last these two World Cups, Lionel Messi has been right at the centre.

Argentina have built the team around him and I just don't want the carnival to end.

He can dribble while watching TV and he can change the channels, the ball is so much a part of him.

Image source, Getty Images

If Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe keep going at this rate, we're in for a juicy Golden Boot race.

Remember, Haaland and Mbappe will have the chance to put some pressure on each other when France face Norway on Friday.

On Sunday, Messi will face the eliminated Jordan, who have conceded five goals and no longer have anything to play for.

Then you'd imagine the flow of goals might slow up a bit as the opposition gets tougher in the round of 32. Or will they...?

Let us know how you imagine the World Cup Golden Boot race will pan out by clicking 'Get Involved'.

Will it be claimed by Messi, Haaland, or Mbappe? We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Lionel Messi has scored a whopping 18 World Cup goals in a career which now spans six tournaments and twenty years.

At Qatar 2022, he finally took home the ultimate prize, but he's yet to bag the competition's golden boot.

He's leading the way with five goals so far at this edition.

Let's watch his exploits from previous tournaments, starting with his first goal aged 18 back in 2006...

Beaten in the 2022 final by Argentina, Opta give Didier Deschamps' men a 13.98% chance of winning it this time - the highest percentage of all teams in the tournament.

The supercomputer gives France a 22.68% chance of reaching the final. As it stands, they're set to play Sweden in the last 32.

Will Mbappe get his hands on the World Cup trophy this time?

Image source, Getty Images

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger at Philadelphia Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

France did enough. They didn't really sparkle in the first half at all really.

Then it became a bit dull and then we had this massive long break.

I wasn't impressed with the start the French made to the second half.

Then they got the [second] goal out of nothing.

Kylian Mbappe gets his two goals and he is going to score many more goals in this competition.

Iraq came across a top team.

Image source, BBC Sport

Friday 26 June (20:00 BST)

• Norway v France
• Senegal v Iraq