England began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, as captain Harry Kane scored twice to inspire the Three Lions to a winning start.
In a match packed with attacking quality and defensive lapses, England showed enough firepower to secure all three points and take early control of their group.
Kane reaches World Cup milestone
England took the lead after 12 minutes when Kane converted a penalty awarded following a foul by Luka Modric on Noni Madueke.
Although Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic initially saved the spot-kick, he was adjudged to have moved off his line too early, allowing Kane to retake and score at the second attempt.
Croatia responded in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose powerful effort beat Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
England regained the advantage three minutes before half-time when Kane powered home a header from Declan Rice’s corner.
The goal moved the striker level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals.
Bellingham and Rashford seal victory
Croatia refused to go away and levelled again just before the break as Petar Musa converted after a headed assist from Ivan Perisic.
However, England restored their lead shortly after the restart through Jude Bellingham, who surged forward before finishing confidently to make it 3-2.
The goal justified head coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start Bellingham ahead of other attacking options.
Substitute Marcus Rashford then wrapped up the win five minutes from time with a composed finish, ensuring England collected maximum points from their opening fixture.
England face Ghana next
While England’s attack will please Tuchel, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern after conceding twice against a Croatian side that consistently threatened.
Nevertheless, the result gives the Three Lions a strong platform heading into their next Group L fixture against Ghana in Boston, where another victory could move them closer to the knockout stage.