England played tournament’s best football, says Neville, but France remain favourites

Gary Neville believes England produced the best football of the World Cup so far in their second-half display against Croatia, but remains unconvinced that Thomas Tuchel's side should be considered favourites for the tournament.

England recovered from a chaotic first half to beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener, with Neville particularly impressed by the fluency and intensity of Tuchel's side after the break.

"The way in which England played in that first 10, 15 minutes of the second half was probably the best 10, 15 minutes we've seen from any team in the tournament so far," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"That's not to get carried away because I know there's a long way to go and a game of football isn't over 10 or 15 minutes.

"It was really brave, it was a good night for him, the team in the second half were fantastic, it was a good performance."

Neville was also impressed by Tuchel's decision-making from the touchline, particularly after England moved 3-2 ahead.

"I thought when England were 3-2 up you don't see many managers making those type of substitutions.

"The volume of substitutions, three of them all at once, but also putting Jude Bellingham back into central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson was a really attacking move.

"Not many managers would do that."

Neville: France still my favourites to win World Cup

Despite England's encouraging start, Neville says he is sticking with his pre-tournament prediction.

"I said France before the tournament that I thought they would win it. I'm not going to change that now.

"I don't think we've seen enough yet. It's too early in the tournament and it's certainly too early to say that England are going to go and win it.

"I know that's probably what people want to hear. It was a really good start for us. There's a long way to go."

Neville hails Kane and Bellingham after Croatia win