KANE DOUBLE HELPS ENGLAND OVERPOWER CROATIA IN WORLD CUP THRILLER

Dallas, USA – England launched their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign in spectacular fashion with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L, powered by a Harry Kane brace and second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

The Three Lions secured their third consecutive opening-match World Cup victory, but they were made to work hard by a resilient Croatian side in an entertaining six-goal contest at Dallas Stadium.

England struck first after just 12 minutes when Harry Kane converted a retaken penalty. The England captain initially saw his spot-kick saved by Dominik Livaković, but French referee Clément Turpin ordered a retake after Croatia’s goalkeeper moved off his line early. Kane made no mistake with his second attempt, firing into the same corner to give England a 1-0 lead.

Croatia responded brilliantly in the 36th minute. Petar Sučić laid the ball off for Martin Baturina, who curled a stunning effort beyond Jordan Pickford to level the score at 1-1.

England regained the lead six minutes later when Kane rose highest to meet Declan Rice’s corner, powering home a header for his second goal of the afternoon. The strike also saw him equal Gary Lineker’s England record of 10 FIFA World Cup goals.

Yet Croatia refused to back down. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Dallas-based striker Petar Musa volleyed home after excellent work from Ivan Perišić and Mario Pašalić, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2.

The second half belonged to England.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham restored England’s advantage with a superb solo effort. The Real Madrid star cut in from the right before drilling a low shot across Livaković and into the far corner.

The goal sparked a dominant spell from Thomas Tuchel’s side, who pressed aggressively and created numerous chances. Croatia goalkeeper Livaković produced several impressive saves to keep his team alive, but England’s relentless pressure finally paid off again five minutes from time.

Substitutes Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combined brilliantly, with Saka providing the assist for Rashford to calmly finish and seal a deserved 4-2 victory.

Kane Makes World Cup History

Harry Kane was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after his outstanding performance. The England captain also set a new FIFA World Cup record by becoming the player with the most penalty goals in tournament history (excluding shootouts), with five.

Match Summary

England 4-2 Croatia

England scorers: ⚽ Harry Kane (12' pen, 42') ⚽ Jude Bellingham (47') ⚽ Marcus Rashford (85')

Croatia scorers: ⚽ Martin Baturina (36') ⚽ Petar Musa (45+5')

Player of the Match

🏆 Harry Kane (England)

What They Said

Harry Kane (England captain): "The manager told us at half-time that if we were going to lose, we should lose playing our way. In the second half we went full gas, and Croatia couldn't deal with our intensity."

Thomas Tuchel (England coach): "I loved the reaction from the players. The first half was nervous and complicated, but the second-half intensity was exactly what we wanted."

Jude Bellingham (England midfielder): "The early goal after the break gave us a platform. The intensity without the ball and the impact of the substitutes were outstanding."

Petar Sučić (Croatia midfielder): "It was a game the fans enjoyed. We came back twice, but we conceded too easily from set pieces. We must improve and prepare for the next two group matches."