Gary Neville reveals nightmare England centre-back concern realised vs Croatia

John Stones on the ball vs Croatia — Gary Neville has described an England concern that came to life vs Croatia, involving the Three Lions' centre-back pairing of John Stones and Ezri Konsa (Image credit: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images)

England versus Croatia at the 2026 World Cup provided heaps of entertainment, heading into the break level at 2-2.

The game's first two chances for either side came from corners — first, Josip Sutalo struck an ambitious volley over the bar from a Croatia set piece, then Luka Modric gave away a penalty in the scuffle following England's first corner.

Harry Kane missed at the first time of asking, however, the decision to re-take the penalty was made following two offences from Croatia.

Gary Neville reveals England defence concern

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville smiling, side profile. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Gary Neville has opened up about the one concern he had about England regarding Ezri Konsa and John Stones ahead of the game. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England's bagsman didn't miss again, tapping into the same code that has seen him convert regularly for Bayern Munich since joining the German side in 2023.

Kane struck again later, repeating the brace he scored in England's 2018 World Cup opener vs Tunisia, with a thunderous header.

Harry Kane mid kick of a penalty vs Croatia. — Harry Kane converted the game's opener at the second time of asking vs Croatia from the penalty spot. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Between those two strikes, Croatia levelled the score at 1-1 courtesy of a glorious Martin Baturina hit that Jordan Pickford was unable to prevent from entering the ball despite getting a hand to it.

And after Kane's header made the score 2-1, the Croatians fought back once more, conceding a late Petar Musa volley just on the stroke of half-time.

In response, Gary Neville expressed horror at the one England concern he prayed that Three Lions fans wouldn't see, now actualised against Croatia, that involves the national side's centre-back pairing.

"The one thing I didn't want from this game was for [England's] defence to be vulnerable", confessed Neville.

"They've gone in at half-time in the first game at the World Cup and conceded two goals, and that's concerning.

Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, Nico O'Reilly and John Stones of England line up for the national anthem. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) — Gary Neville believes that the England midfield has to work hard to protect its back four going forward at the 2026 World Cup. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"The vulnerability... is [Ezri] Konsa and [John] Stones a partnership that can win us a World Cup? We're going have to protect that back four in the second half," continued Neville.

Ian Wright also added that England's chaotic and "nervous" playing style was a worry, but that fans would embrace the football if it results in victories.

The Three Lions head into their Group L opener's second half looking to find another lead, and maintain it this time.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.