Kane Double Powers England Past Croatia in Six-Goal World Cup Opener

Photo by Debjoy Biswas\Pixel Sports

England began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining Group L clash at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday. Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals to seal an impressive opening win for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

England made a statement start to their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. In a match full of drama, goals and momentum swings, the Three Lions showed attacking quality and second-half control to secure all three points.

Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric inside the box. Kane’s first effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic, but the penalty was ordered to be retaken after the Croatian goalkeeper stepped off his line. The England captain made no mistake the second time, placing the ball into the same corner.

Croatia responded strongly and found their equaliser in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, who curled a fine finish into the right-hand corner after a clever lay-off from Petar Sucic. But England regained the lead before half-time when Kane headed home from Declan Rice’s corner in the 42nd minute.

That goal was a historic one for Kane, as he equalled Gary Lineker’s England record of 10 FIFA World Cup goals.

However, Croatia refused to go into the break behind. Deep into stoppage time, Dallas-based striker Petar Musa volleyed home after Ivan Perisic’s intelligent header set him up, making it 2-2 at half-time.

England came out with greater intensity after the restart and quickly restored their lead. Jude Bellingham, operating in the No.10 role, drove in from the right and finished low across Livakovic in the 47th minute to make it 3-2.

From there, England began to dominate the contest, creating chances and forcing Livakovic into several saves. Tuchel’s substitutions also made an impact, with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combining late in the game to finish off Croatia’s resistance.

Rashford scored England’s fourth in the 85th minute with a composed finish after excellent work from Saka, sealing a confident and important opening win for the Three Lions.

The victory takes England to the top of Group L with three points and a positive goal difference of two. Croatia, despite showing quality in attack, were left to rue defensive lapses and England’s superior second-half display.

Kane also created another piece of World Cup history, becoming the player with the most penalties scored in FIFA World Cup history, excluding shootouts, with five.