England started their own 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, as captain Harry Kane scored twice to inspire the Three Lions to a winning start.
In a game full of attacking quality and defensive lapses, England showed enough firepower to secure all three points and take early control of their group.
Kane has reached a World Cup milestone
England took the lead after 12 minutes when Kane converted a penalty awarded after Luka Modric’s foul on Noni Madueke.
Although Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković initially saved the spot-kick, he was adjudged to have moved off his line too early, allowing Kane to repeat and score at the second attempt.
Croatia retaliated in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, who beat Jordan Pickford with a powerful shot despite the goalkeeper holding on to the ball.
England restored the lead three minutes before half-time when Kane headed in a Declan Rice corner.
That goal moved the striker level with Gary Lineker scoring 10 goals at the World Cup.
Bellingham and Rashford record the win
Croatia refused to go away and equalized again just before the break when Petar Musa converted from Ivan Perišić’s header.
However, England restored their lead shortly after the restart through Jude Bellingham, who raced forward before finishing confidently to make it 3-2.
The goal vindicated head coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start Bellingham ahead of other attacking options.
Substitute Marcus Rashford then wrapped up victory five minutes from time with a calm finish, ensuring England picked up maximum points from their first game.
The next game against England is Ghana
While England’s attack will appeal to Tuchel, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern after they conceded twice against a constantly threatening Croatia side.
Nevertheless, the result gives the Three Lions a strong platform for their next Group L encounter against Ghana in Boston, where another win could take them closer to the knockout stages.
