Harry Kane scored twice but Croatia fought back to hold England 2-2 at halftime in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match on Thursday in Dallas.
England started well and earned a penalty in the ninth minute. Luka Modric caught Noni Madueke inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s first attempt. However, VAR ruled that the Croatian goalkeeper had moved off his line. Kane stepped up again and fired the retaken penalty into the net to give England a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
Croatia grew into the game and looked more comfortable on the ball as the half progressed.
The equaliser came in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina received a pass from Petar Sucic on the edge of the box and unleashed a stunning first time strike into the top corner.
England responded quickly. Kane restored the lead in the 42nd minute when he rose highest to head home from a corner. The goal was his 10th in World Cup history, drawing him level with Gary Lineker for the most World Cup goals by an England player.
Croatia refused to back down and found another equaliser deep into stoppage time. A clever ball into the box was headed into the path of Petar Musa, who slipped his finish through Jordan Pickford’s legs.
The goal sent Croatia into the break level at 2-2 after an entertaining first half in Dallas.
