England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas on Thursday.
Harry Kane scored twice as Thomas Tuchel’s side collected all three points in its first Group L match. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net for England.
The match started at a fast pace. England earned a penalty in the ninth minute after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the box.
Kane saw his first effort saved by Dominik Livakovic. However, VAR ruled that the goalkeeper had moved off his line. Kane took the penalty again and fired England ahead in the 12th minute.
Croatia responded well and drew level in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina produced a superb strike from outside the area and sent the ball into the top corner.
England regained the lead before the break. Kane met a corner with a powerful header in the 42nd minute. The goal was his 10th in World Cup history and moved him level with Gary Lineker for the most World Cup goals by an England player.
Croatia refused to give up. Deep into first half stoppage time, Petar Musa finished a neat move and beat Jordan Pickford from close range to make it 2-2.
England wasted little time after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Elliot Anderson played a fine pass to Bellingham. The midfielder raced forward and tucked his shot inside the far post to restore England’s lead.
The goal changed the flow of the game. England created several chances and pushed Croatia back. Livakovic made a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest.
Croatia tried to find another equaliser but struggled to break through England’s defence. Pickford stayed alert and dealt with the danger whenever called upon.
England finally put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka picked up a loose ball inside the box and set up Rashford. The forward calmly placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Croatia could not find a way back in the closing minutes. England saw out the match comfortably and secured a strong start to its World Cup journey.
The result also gave Tuchel a winning start at the World Cup as England moved to the top of Group L.
