Dan Burn speaks out after England 4-2 Croatia in World Cup opener

England finally got their World Cup underway in Texas on Wednesday night, beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling game.

The Three Lions were placed in Group L, so had to wait almost a week to get started after the tournament got underway. That may have played into their hands, though, as they got to see how other teams are handling the conditions and new rules.

To deploy an age-old cliché, it was a game of two halves in Dallas last night as England struggled to contain Croatia in the first half, resulting in a 2-2 scoreline at the break.

Whatever Thomas Tuchel said to the lads at half time worked a treat (are you paying attention Eddie Howe?) as England came out with a renewed confidence and intensity and took the game to Croatia, ultimately coming away with a 4-2 win thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford who came on to replace former Toon star Anthony Gordon just moments before.

Dan Burn is happy with his role in the England squad

Newcastle's sole surviving England star, Dan Burn, was an unused substitute in the game, but it seems he's very aware of his role in the team.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Burn said he expects to get some minutes at the tournament, but if not, he will still know he's contributed.

"I do think I will get a chance at some point. 

"It is just about when I do get that opportunity, taking it.

"So whether I play most of the tournament or don't play any of it, I will still feel I have contributed."

England will play a behind-closed-doors friendly today where the players, like Burn, who didn't get a run-out last night will get minutes.

Howay, Thomas, give Big Dan some minutes 

As Burn is our only England star now following the defection of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento's injury, we hope the Blyth-born giant does get some time on the pitch on the biggest stage in world football. His story needs this.

It's Ghana on Tuesday for England after they stole a 1-0 win against Panama in the early hours of the morning, scoring five minutes into second-half stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Yoane Wissa made his World Cup debut in style, equalising for DR Congo against Portugal as the debutants nabbed an opening-game draw.