It finished 4-2 to Thomas Tuchel’s side with James completing the full game. He started at right-back and later moved into midfield as England closed the win out late on.

Trevoh Chalobah was not in the matchday squad having only been called up on the eve of England’s Group L opener as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento.

Croatia started the better, but it was England who struck first in the 12th minute. Luka Modric didn’t see Noni Madueke coming and fouled him in the box for a clear penalty.

Harry Kane’s effort was saved but Josko Gvardiol, who nodded the loose ball behind for a corner, had encroached. Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic was also off his line when the spot-kick was taken. That meant a retake, and Kane made no mistake with his second attempt.

James wasn’t far off reaching a probing Bellingham pass deep in Croatia territory, and shortly after the half-hour mark the no.24 sent in two threatening crosses that almost found an England team-mate.

However, Croatia equalised on 35 minutes when Como’s Martin Baturina whipped a superb strike into the top corner of Jordan Pickford’s goal after England had lost possession on halfway.

Kane quickly restored England’s advantage with a thumping header from Declan Rice’s corner, the same avenue that had resulted in the penalty which broke the deadlock.

There was still time for one more goal before the break, and it was scored by Croatia’s Petar Musa with the final kick of the half - a composed volley that rounded off a slick move initiated by former Blue Mario Pasalic.

England came out firing and instantly restored their advantage. James passed to Elliot Anderson whose ball around the corner found Jude Bellingham in the right channel. He drove into the box and produced a pinpoint finish across Livakovic and into the net via the insight of the post.

Bellingham and Nico O’Reilly had good chances to give the Three Lions some breathing room, and although they were not taken Tuchel’s side were looking like a much more cohesive unit now.

On 55 minutes, Livakovic made a triple save after another dangerous Rice corner caused chaos, and then the Croatia immediately produced a double stop, with Kane among those denied.

England made a triple-sub during the second hydration break, after which Pickford was forced into a decent low save with what felt like Croatia’s first meaningful attack of the half. When Djed Spence came on for Rice, James stepped into midfield alongside Anderson.

Three subs combined for England’s fourth with five minutes left. Spence opened up space for Bukayo Saka to find Marcus Rashford, who cut inside onto his right and swept a finish into the bottom corner. It was a second fine goal of the half, and made sure of the points.

England face Ghana in Boston in their second group game next Tuesday 23 June.