Jordan Pickford
After an early crisis due to his mix up with Fabian Delph, Pickford settled down. Excellent distribution by the Everton goalkeeper, who also showed his quality as a shot-stopper following that scary episode. Beaten by the deflection off Eric Dier as much as Andrej Kramaric's shot for the Croatia opener. His side would have been down and out without him. 7
Kyle Walker
Got forward well and showed how influential he can be out wide rather than playing at centre-back with his pace but was slow to get back when England lost the ball high up the field. Left Kramaric to Eric Dier and John Stones only to watch the striker beat them both with his shot for the opening goal. Sloppy late in the second half as he gave away the ball too easily. 5
Joe Gomez
Steady and alert alongside John Stones, the former Charlton Athletic stopper looked very comfortable at centre-back for England following from his good form at club level. 7
John Stones
Happy to draw opponents onto him in order to try and pick out a teammate running into the gap left by his baited opponent. It was Gomez who showed superior reactions when England lost their grip on possession and found themselves faced by Croatia's threat on the break. Was left wrong-footed by Kramaric as the Hoffenheim striker scored the opener. Helped to bundle the ball on for Jesse Lingard's goal. 6
Ben Chilwell
Bright at both ends of the pitch. Made some strong challenges to coddle the Croatian attack down his flank and sought to make an impact in the final third too, striking a shot in the first half that almost lead to an opening goal for England.
Almost caught out by Ivan Perisic in the final moments of the first half as a cross from Luka Modric sailed over his head. The Leicester City man held his face with his hands as he saw the delivery turn into nothing. It was clear he knew that could have been a big moment. He was nutmegged in the build up to the Croatian opener as the England defence was left all at sea. Made amends as he helped to put the hosts back in front. 7
Eric Dier
Dropped back between the centre-backs from the base of midfield to help keep Croatia at bay and cover gaps. Not every set of fans will appreciate Dier or the job he is put into teams to do as he screens his defenders rather than cause a threat at the other end of the park with his passes but when it mattered most he was caught out.
While he may have been unlucky to see the ball deflect off him for Kramaric's goal, Dier was left flat-footed as the striker found his shot. Made a mistake to leave Pickford exposed with 15 minutes to go that could have seen a second goal for the visitors. 4
Fabian Delph
Knitted midfield together between Dier and Ross Barkley. Mobile, sharp and very tidy with the ball. He played as you would expect from a Manchester City player in the middle of the pitch - after that dodgy episode with Pickford that almost played Croatia in. 7
Ross Barkley
The ex-Everton academy product took up the role he has tried to make his own for Chelsea this season as the most attacking third of a three-man midfield, and put in a defensive shift to close opponents down the from the front too.
Received a booking in the first half for stemming a Croatia counter-attack as Luka Modric attempted to make the most of another England offensive breaking down. Barkley was bold with his passing and tried to make things happen when he had the ball even if the risks didn't always pay off. 7
Raheem Sterling
A constant threat to the Croatian defence with his pace, his runs to get in behind failed to find England the opening they were searching for in the first half. Seemed indecisive at times around the box as if he wasn't sure whether to shoot or wait for support, leaving him prone to be crowded out by defenders. 6
Harry Kane
Had a chance in the first half to put England ahead as he was left unmarked at a corner, only to see his effort glide over the bar. Stepped back into midfield only to get in the way of Ross Barkley on a couple of occasions.
However, at the decisive moment he showed his class to hit home the winner and end his own personal streak without a goal for his country. Never stopped trying to find the goals his side needed and was rewarded for his efforts. 8
Marcus Rashford
Sterling's equivalent down the left, the Manchester United forward was another runner who tried to dart in behind the Croatia defence, and had a few moments where it seemed as though he had got the run on an opponent, only to be caught out and dispossessed or blocked off. Improved as the game seemed to open up in the second half. 8
England substitutes
Dele Alli (on for Barkley) - Came on for the Chelsea midfielder who had been booked. Played full of intent and popped up in dangerous areas to try and lay on a chance for his teammates. Helped to put England back on the front foot. 7
Jesse Lingard (on for Rashford) - Scored the equaliser. Cleared a ball off the line. Helped to set up Kane for his winner. Game changer! When Lingard plays at Wembley, watch out. 9
Jadon Sancho (on for Delph) - Added a new threat down the right which Croatia were clearly reacted to even if he was unable to produce any more assists following on from his senior debut. 7
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