World Cup 2026 | England 4 - 2 Croatia
Best game of the tournament so far?
England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they edged past Croatia in a pulsating contest in Dallas.
Author | George B
Stadium | Dallas Stadium
Thomas Tuchel's side showed their attacking quality but also some defensive vulnerability, although they had enough firepower to finally see off Croatia and lay the foundations for progress in Group L
A closer analysis of what happened
Harry Kane gave England the lead after 12 minutes with a penalty that had to be retaken after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the first effort but was ruled to have moved off his line too early.
Croatia, as ever dangerous opponents, levelled after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina's fierce drive flew past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Kane restored England's advantage three minutes before the interval with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, drawing level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals and taking his England tally to 81 in 115 appearances.
England, however, never looked entirely comfortable at the back and Croatia equalised seconds before half-time again, Petar Musa guiding Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford after a well-worked move.
Jude Bellingham underlined why Tuchel had preferred him to Morgan Rogers with a strong run and finish shortly after the restart as the Three Lions regained control.
Marcus Rashford, introduced from the bench, eased any lingering nerves with a composed finish five minutes from time as England turned their attention to a meeting with Ghana in Boston.
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