Man Utd are eyeing Croatia star Martin Baturina after a bid from Leeds was rejected

Lee Dixon felt England produced almost a perfect performance as they saw Croatia open their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win in Dallas.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were tied for two after captain Harry Kane scored twice in the first half but second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured all three points in the Group L opener.

Former England defender Dixon said on ITV: “This is a really tough team to play against and apart from the times in the first half when they conceded those two goals, they really controlled the game.

“They have had these top players, that shine, and running from the middle of the field to the game, they have scored four goals, stopped these two on the other side and it was a wonderful game.

“They needed to be tested, two bad goals in the first half but they found their game in the second half, they did well in all departments.

“Defensively they looked very sound and everywhere else they were very good.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was impressed by the team’s strong response from manager Tuchel at half-time.

Neville said: “He gave them an absolute rocket at half-time because they came out 20 minutes into the second half and they were in awe.

“What I liked at that time was that they had to sit a little and play deep, then he made the players who played and played had a big impact and we took the fourth.

“Some of the things in the first 10 minutes of the second half were fantastic.”

Fellow Red Devils legend Roy Keane believes conceding two points will benefit England in the long run.

The former United and Republic of Ireland midfielder said: “I think they will be happy to score four goals, their attacking players obviously had a big impact, the fans came and did well, controlling the game especially in the second half, good set-pieces.

“And I actually think it’s good that they conceded a few goals because it keeps them on their toes. It’s just a reminder that if you’re slacking off you score goals, but they’re going to be very happy.”

United were certainly looking at Three Lions star Elliot Anderson, but are also believed to be looking at one of the Croatia men this summer.

Man Utd are looking to lure the Croatian star

Indeed, according to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Manchester United are considering a move for Como midfielder Martin Baturina.

The 23-year-old scored a fine goal to level things briefly at 1-1 on Wednesday and is being chased by a number of English clubs.

Aston Villa are also said to be in trouble, while Leeds are expected to renew their interest having seen a bid rejected in January.

The six-time attacking midfielder provided three assists in 29 Serie A appearances for Cesc Fabregas’ side last season, and many believe he will have a brighter future than his highly-rated team-mate Nico Paz.

Writer and scout Filipe Sousa believes Baturina is ‘very underrated’, and could be a long-term successor to club captain Bruno Fernandes, who turns 32 later this year.