England launched their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, with Harry Kane scoring twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford chipping in with a goal each on Wednesday.
There were lot of expectations from the Group L clash, which lived up to its billing, given the history between the sides when Croatia had sealed an extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semifinals.
The match at Dallas Stadium lived up to expectations as Croatia twice fought back to level the score, but Jude Bellingham gave England the lead just two minutes into the second half. The midfielder made a powerful run down the right before calmly guiding his shot across goal and in off the post.
Substitute Marcus Rashford then sealed the win in the 85th minute after being set up by Bukayo Saka.
England had taken the lead in the 12th minute through Harry Kane. Noni Madueke was brought down in the penalty area by Croatia veteran Luka Modric, and Kane stepped up to take the spot-kick.
Although goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the first attempt, he was judged to have moved off his line too early. Kane made no mistake with the retake, firing into the corner and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Croatia responded in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina scored with a superb strike that Jordan Pickford managed to touch but could not keep out. The goal ended England’s run of 10 consecutive competitive clean sheets.
England regained the lead six minutes later. Declan Rice’s corner found an unmarked Kane, who headed home to score his 81st international goal. The strike also saw him equal Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record of 10 goals.
However, Croatia hit back again just before half-time. Ivan Perisic flicked on a header and Petar Musa raced through before finishing calmly to make it 2-2.
England’s improvement after the break was clear, but their defensive weaknesses were also exposed. Croatia scored twice from situations England should have dealt better, leaving coach Thomas Tuchel visibly frustrated as he headed down the tunnel at half-time.
England were fortunate not to concede again late in the game, with Kane making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Josko Gvardiol deep into stoppage time.
England had arrived at the World Cup as one of the favourites after an impressive qualifying campaign in which they did not concede a goal. Croatia also came into the tournament with strong form, having dropped points only once during qualifying.
England will next face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday before taking on Panama in their final group-stage match on June 27.
Croatia will play Panama in Toronto on June 23 before facing Ghana four days later in Philadelphia.
